The award was presented to Birse Civils, urban regeneration company New East Manchester and national regeneration agency English Partnerships at a ceremony held in London on Friday 18 April.

The scheme was set up by the construction industry to improve its image. Projects that register with the scheme are monitored against a Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements. Code of practice headings judged include 'considerate, environment, cleanliness, good neighbour, respectful, safe, responsible and accountable'.

The Beswick project was commended for the regular contact with local groups including schools, the church, the area police HQ, Manchester Settlement and the Residents' Steering Committee. It was also praised for its "immaculately clean and professional appearance".

Peter Skates, development director at New East Manchester, said: "As one of the first major projects in east Manchester, the regeneration of Beswick set high standards for others to follow."

Other key members in the delivery of Beswick regeneration include Entec and Rider Levett Bucknall.