Whilst construction in Wales is moving in a positive direction the overall mood in the economy has been dragged downwards with the announcements around the doubtful future of steel production in South Wales. It is a sad and confusing time for the workers and their families affected by the Tata Steel announcement. Government in Westminster and Cardiff is working hard to find a solution. What it means for the wider built environment sector will remain to be seen – but it is something all of us will watch with concern.

Again, sad to note the death of Zaha Hadid. She was both a remarkable woman and an inspiring, albeit controversial architect. Her strength was her wonderful ideas and passion for great design. In the end Wales didn’t see her design for the Cardiff Bay Opera House (conceived in the 1990s as a crucial part of the Cardiff Bay redevelopment project) but her award winning Crystal Necklace design caught the imagination, but not the funding. The Wales Millennium Centre was built in its place and it opened in 2004.

I wonder if any of our shortlisted CEW Award entries will be as dynamic and forthright as a Zaha Hadid concept? You will have to wait and see – the shortlist is announced on 11th April. Look out for more news of the awards very soon.