Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
The Clarendon Works, 39 Clarendon Road, Watford
- Client: Regal
- Owner: Regal
- Project Manager: Regal
- Quantity Surveyor: Regal
- Brief Consultant: Regal
- Architect: Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects
- Interior Designer: Regal
- M&E Engineer: Chapman BDSP
- Structural Engineer: Terrell
- Sustainability Consultant: Whitecode Consulting
- Contractor: Regal
- Investment/Property Co: Regal
- Developer: Regal
- Agent: Lambert Smith Hampton / Bray Fox Smith / Knight Frank
The Clarendon Works, a 140,000 sq ft Grade A office development in Watford, was awarded the prize for Best Corporate Workplace. BCO judges praised its well-designed communal and amenity spaces, which include a café, roof terrace, private bar, bike storage, changing rooms, and fitness suites. Boasting market leading environmental, wellbeing, and digital connectivity certifications – including EPC A, BREEAM Excellent, WELL Platinum, ActiveScore, and WiredScore – the scheme is 80% pre-let, cementing its position as one of the most sought-after commercial offerings in the town.
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
ONE Station Hill Garrard St, Reading
- Client: Lincoln MGT
- Project Manager: Cast
- Quantity Surveyor: Cast
- Architect: Gensler
- M&E Engineer: Hoare Lea
- Structural Engineer: Ramboll
- Sustainability Consultant: Hoare Lea
- Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
- Investment/Property Co: Lincoln MGT
- Developer: Lincoln MGT
- Technology Consultant: Equiem
A landmark in Reading’s regeneration, ONE Station Hill received the award for Best Commercial Workplace. Part of an £850 million masterplan to revitalise the area, the building delivers 275,000 sqft of Grade A workspace that exemplifies sustainable office design – net zero carbon, all-electric, and BREEAM Outstanding.
With amenities including a fitness club, rooftop terraces, and smart tech integration via its dedicated app, ONE Station Hill successfully promotes productivity and wellness.
More than 40% of the development has been pre-let over to global firms such as PepsiCo and PwC.
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
40 Leadenhall, 40 Leadenhall Street, London
- Client: Vanquish Properties (UK)
- Owner: Vanquish/M&G Real Estate
- Occupier: Chubb, Shawbrook/Kirkland & Ellis/Accusure/Ark/ McGill&Partners
- Project Manager: Avison Young
- Quantity Surveyor: Arcadis
- Architect: Make
- Interior Designer: Make
- M&E Engineer: WSP
- Structural Engineer: WSP
- Sustainability Consultant: WSP
- Contractor: Mace
- Developer: Nuveen Real Estate
- Technology Consultant: Arcadis
- Agent: Cushman & Wakefield/Knight Frank/CBRE/JLL
Taking the Best Commercial Workplace award, 40 Leadenhall is more than an office building – it’s a neighbourhood that will accommodate up to 10,000 people.
With a strong focus on well-being and the tenant experience, the building responds positively to the surrounding context, while making a confident statement on the City of London skyline. The design is timeless and elegant, including historical assets which have been sympathetically restored. The scheme has redefined the amenity, social and hospitality offer within offices, including a well-stocked library, 30-seat cinema room, auditorium, extensive health and fitness facilities, restaurants and terraces. A range of floorplate sizes caters to varying tenant requirements, and strong sustainability credentials include targeting BREEAM Excellent and Nabers 5-star ratings.
Overall, the scheme stood out in a highly competitive category, with the amenity provisions pushing it to the next level.
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
Eden, Irwell Street, Salford
- Client: ECF
- Owner: ECF
- Occupier: BDO / TLT
- Project Manager: Chroma
- Quantity Surveyor: RPS
- Architect: Make Architects
- Interior Designer: SpaceInvader Design
- M&E Engineer: Atelier Ten
- Structural Engineer: Woolgar Hunter / Civic Engineers
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Contractor: Bowmer + Kirkland
- Developer: ECF
- Agent: OBI / JLL
A double winner in the ESG and Commercial Workplace categories, Eden in Salford was highly praised by the BCO judges:
‘Eden is a groundbreaking, award-winning office development that sets a new standard for sustainable workplaces. This 12-storey, Net Zero Carbon building features Europe’s largest living wall – an astonishing 3,300m² of greenery with 350,000 plants, redefining urban biodiversity. As the UK’s first 5.5-star NABERS UK Design Reviewed project, alongside BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings, it proves that commercial spaces can be both high-performance and environmentally responsible. Beyond sustainability, Eden’s social impact is equally transformative; it prioritises well-being, offering a vibrant social hub including local business Spice & Grind, wellness spaces, and a rooftop terrace.’
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier.
The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
Unusual HQ, The Wharf, Bugbrooke, Northampton
- Client: Unusual Rigging
- Owner: Unusual Rigging
- Occupier: Unusual Rigging
- Architect: Corstorphine & Wright
- Interior Designer: Corstorphine & Wright
- M&E Engineer: Ingine
- Structural Engineer: Momentum Engineering
- Sustainability Consultant: KLH Sustainability
- Contractor: Foxton Construction
Unusual HQ in Northamptonshire won the Corporate Workplace award, with BCO judges hailing the project as a “pioneering achievement” in sustainable design. The two-storey building uses biogenic and reclaimed materials, generating more energy than it consumes. Focused on low-carbon design and circular economy principles, it successfully balances functionality, creativity, and aesthetic appeal. Notably, it has been designed for full disassembly and reuse at the end of its life – a rare distinction for a commercial building.
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier.
The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
spark| sbarc Maindy Road, Cardiff
- Client: Cardiff University
- Owner: Cardiff University
- Project Manager: Gleeds
- Architect: Hawkins\Brown
- Interior Designer: Hawkins\Brown
- M&E Engineer: Arup
- Structural Engineer: Jacobs
- Contractor: Bouygues
Cardiff University’s groundbreaking spark|sbarc building was crowned Best Corporate Workplace. The building sets a new standard for academic and enterprise collaboration, with its state-of-the-art amenities, public event spaces, and seamless integration of social science research and enterprise.
Its visually striking and functional centrepiece is an ocular staircase which spirals upward through the seven-storey space, encouraging movement and interaction. Flexible workspaces, labs, and exhibition areas create an inspiring environment for students, academics, entrepreneurs and the wider community.
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier. The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
1EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, London
- Client: EdCity Office
- Occupier: Absolute Return for Kids (Ark)
- Project Manager: Vengrove (and Development)
- Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds / Quantem (for Fit Out)
- Brief Consultant: Vengrove
- Architect: tp bennett
- Interior Designer: Perkins & Will
- M&E Engineer: SWECO
- Structural Engineer: Mason Navarro Pledge
- Sustainability Consultant: SWECO
- Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland / Parkeray (for Fit Out)
- Technology Consultant: Quintus Timmer
- Agent: Savills
Praising the winner of the Best Corporate Workplace award, the judges said 1Ed City Walk was an incredibly challenging scheme for a not-for-profit organisation to deliver.
The project was led by a passionate client team from children’s educational charity Ark who surrounded themselves with a wider team that was equally as enthusiastic and aligned to their ambitions. The result is a building perfectly designed for end-users’ requirements, providing office, auditorium and education spaces. With strong amenity provision, the ground floor has a café open to local residents, while staff also benefit from a stunning rooftop terrace.
It has delivered a beautiful new home for Ark that sets up the charity for future success. The judges said the scale of the social offer of this scheme is unrivalled, and its community and civil impact make it a deserving winner.
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier. The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
West Village Leeds, 114 Wellington Street
- Client: Bruntwood SciTech
- Owner: Bruntwood
- Occupier: Bruntwood SciTech
- Project Manager: Bruntwood SciTech
- Quantity Surveyor: Bruntwood SciTech
- Brief Consultant: Bruntwood SciTech
- Architect: 3D Reid
- Interior Designer: Cathy Mocke RIBA ARB (UK)
- M&E Engineer: Ramboll
- Structural Engineer: DW Consulting Engineers
- Sustainability Consultant: Principal Sustainability Consultant - Ramboll
- Contractor: Cubic Works
- Investment/Property Co: Bruntwood SciTech
- Developer: Bruntwood SciTech
- Technology Consultant: AVM Solutions (UK)
- Agent: CBRE
West Village in Leeds received the Corporate Workplace award for masterfully unifying two separate buildings into a single, cohesive estate, anchored by a striking 20,000 sq ft extension that forms a bold gateway.
Judges said: ‘The 115,000 sq ft transformation redefines modern workspace design, prioritising innovation, sustainability, and employee well-being. The fit-out seamlessly blends biophilia, advanced technology, and flexible work environments. Key features include a fully landscaped courtyard and an open-plan entrance, eliminating a traditional reception to create a more welcoming atmosphere. With collaborative workspaces, wellness facilities, inspiring art installations, and Net Zero Carbon strategies achieving an EPC A rating, this project sets a new benchmark for contemporary workplace excellence.’
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
The Entopia Building, 1 Regent St
- Client: University of Cambridge
- Owner: University of Cambridge
- Occupier: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Project Manager: 3PM
- Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobold
- Brief Consultant: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Architect: Architype lead architect / Fielden + Mawson delivery architect (RIBA 4-6)
- Interior Designer: Eve Waldron Design
- M&E Engineer: Max Fordham / BDP
- Structural Engineer: BDP / CAR
- Sustainability Consultant: Architype- Passivhaus Designer (RIBA 1-3) and Carbon Consultant & Client Advisor; Max Fordham- Passivhaus Designer; Mead Consulting - Passivhaus and EnerPHit Certifier
- Contractor: ISG
The Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award went to The Entopia Building, home to the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. This former 1930s telephone exchange has been reimagined as a sustainable, collaborative office space spanning more than 32,000 sq ft. The building meets ambitious environmental standards, including EnerPHit Classic, WELL Gold, and BREEAM Outstanding – making it the first of its kind globally.
The judges praised the project team for taking a new approach to refurbishment that raises industry standards.
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
Blok, Bristol One Castle Park, Tower Hill, Bristol
- Client: Boultbee Brooks (Castle Park)
- Owner: Boultbee Brooks Real Estate
- Project Manager: Constructive TPM
- Quantity Surveyor: Constructive TPM
- Architect: Mutiny Architecture
- Interior Designer: Oktra
- M&E Engineer: TFT Consultants
- Structural Engineer: Clarke Bond
- Sustainability Consultant: Scotch & Partners
- Contractor: Lancer Scott
- Technology Consultant: GFR Tech
- Agent: Savills / CBRE
BLOK Bristol was the recipient of the award for Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace. BCO judges were impressed with how the project successfully breathed new life into One Castle Park, repurposing the existing 1980s structure while prioritising sustainability through carbon-conscious upgrades.
A ground floor communal business lounge, bustling coffee shop and landscaped gardens create an engaging social atmosphere. Adaptable floorplans and diverse leasing options cater to modern tenants, making BLOK a model for urban development.
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
Norton Folgate, Blossom Street, London
- Client: British Land
- Owner: British Land
- Occupier: Multiple Tenancies
- Project Manager: M3 Consulting
- Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townend | Alinea
- Architect: AHMM: Blossom Yard & Studios, Nicholls and Clarke, and Loom Court; Stanton Williams: Elder Yard and Studios; Morris + Company: 15 Norton Folgate; DSDHA:16 Blossom Street
- M&E Engineer: Arup
- Structural Engineer: AKT II
- Sustainability Consultant: Atelier Ten
- Contractor: Skanska
Norton Folgate was crowned Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace for transforming three underused and vacant buildings on the edge of the City into a vibrant mixed-use development that showcases the meticulous restoration of historic structures dating from the late 1800s.
By integrating these with thoughtfully designed new constructions, the project maintains the architectural integrity of the Elder Street Conservation Area while offering a variety of office spaces tailored to different business needs, alongside retail and leisure facilities.
The all-electric retrofit project achieved high BREEAM ratings for both new and existing structures, while collaborations with local food and beverage tenants and the support of local businesses underscore the project’s dedication to social responsibility.
Through its sensitive architectural approach, strong ESG commitments and enhancement of public spaces, the project fosters economic and social vitality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban regeneration.
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
Foundation, Altrincham, 122 George Street
- Client: Bruntwood & Trafford Council
- Owner: Bruntwood Trafford
- Occupier: Several
- Project Manager: Bruntwood Trafford
- Quantity Surveyor: Richard Boothroyd & Associates
- Architect: BDP
- Interior Designer: AXI / BDP
- M&E Engineer: Hurstwood
- Structural Engineer: DW Consulting Engineering
- Contractor: Cubic Works
- Developer: Bruntwood
As Refurbished/Recycled Workplace of the Year, the Foundation redevelopment in Altrincham is an award-winning transformation, repurposing the former Rackhams department store into a dynamic hub for work, leisure, and community engagement.
Judges noted that the project revitalises the town centre, providing a new gateway with modern offices, co-working spaces, retail, and dining: ‘Foundation sets a new benchmark for urban regeneration, proving that adaptive reuse can drive long-term economic and social impact.’
Category sponsor
Highly Commended Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
Havelock, Manchester
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Project Arden, 4th Floor, 1 Manor House Drive, Coventry
- Client: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Owner: IM Properties
- Occupier: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Project Manager: Savills
- Quantity Surveyor: Savills
- Brief Consultant: Overbury
- Interior Designer: Overbury
- M&E Engineer: Overbury
- Sustainability Consultant: Alphacell
- Contractor: Overbury
Project Arden in Coventry was crowned Best Fit out of Workplace. Designed for hybrid working, the office provides a collaborative working environment for Cambridge University Press and Assessment, which seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology. The building’s BREEAM Very Good rating and EPC A certification support its environmental goals, while the fit-out achieved SKA Gold certification through significant waste recycling and reduced carbon emissions.
Judges were impressed with the teamwork between client and contractor, resulting in a space that is flexible, personable and enjoyed by all.
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Dojo Bristol, 111 Victoria St
- Client: Dojo
- Owner: CEG
- Occupier: Dojo
- Project Manager: Cushman & Wakefield
- Quantity Surveyor: Fanshawe
- Brief Consultant: BDG Architecture + Design
- Architect: BDG Architecture + Design
- Interior Designer: BDG Architecture + Design
- M&E Engineer: AECOM
- Structural Engineer: Arup
- Contractor: Overbury
- Technology Consultant: Cordless Consultants
Winning the award for Best Fit out Workplace, Dojo’s 54,770 sq ft Bristol HQ sets a new benchmark for contact centre design. With 402 desk spaces, flexible areas, and a lively social hub with a barista bar, the office supports both productivity and wellbeing. Rich in local character, with graffiti art by Bristol-based artists, the fit-out blends biophilia with residential-inspired furnishings.
Dojo’s inclusive design features multi-faith and wellness rooms, while sustainability is prioritised through the use of recycled materials, smart lighting systems and minimal alterations to the base build.
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Capital Group, 1 Paddington Square, London
- Client: Capital Group
- Occupier: Capital Group
- Project Manager: CBRE
- Quantity Surveyor: CBRE
- Brief Consultant: tp bennett
- Architect: tp bennett
- Interior Designer: tp bennett
- M&E Engineer: Chapmanbdsp
- Structural Engineer: WSP
- Sustainability Consultant: WSP
- Contractor: Overbury
- Investment/Property Co: Great Western Developments. A joint venture between Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and Anchorage View Pte. (AVPL)
- Developer: Developed by Sellar in partnership with Great Western Developments
- Technology Consultant: Sebastian Day
- Agent: JLL
Capital Group’s new European headquarters at 1 Paddington Square, winner of the Best Fit Out of a Workplace category, boasts an impressive client reception and hospitality bar that is seamlessly connected by a stunning lighting sculpture.
Two feature staircases provide vertical connection through the office with a clever use of lighting that helps you effortlessly flow through the space. The office floors feel generous, with amazing access to natural daylight. The transition floor offers a variety of amenities and social areas, providing users with an assortment of spaces in which to connect and collaborate. The conference suite is beautifully appointed, showcasing some impressive artwork, and includes a box-in-box outward-facing auditorium that delivers a real “wow” moment.
The open and inclusive workplace projects style and elegance, providing facilities and amenities to inspire and encourage anyone to spend more time in the office.
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Deloitte, Manchester, 100 Embankment Cathedral Approach
- Client: Deloitte
- Owner: Deloitte
- Occupier: Deloitte
- Project Manager: Deloitte
- Quantity Surveyor: Deloitte
- Brief Consultant: BDP
- Interior Designer: BDP
- M&E Engineer: TB+A
- Structural Engineer: BDP
- Sustainability Consultant: TB+A
- Contractor: ISG
- Technology Consultant: Cordess
Deloitte’s office at 100 Embankment, Salford, was named champion in the Fit Out of Workplace category.
Judges said: ‘This award-winning office exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, setting new benchmarks for hybrid working environments. The 6,085 sqm space is designed to foster collaboration, flexibility, and well-being, incorporating cutting-edge technology, sustainable materials, and dynamic workspaces. This transformative workplace embodies Deloitte’s vision, creating a thriving community hub that redefines employee experience and business innovation.’
South of England & South Wales
Englefield Estate Yard The Estate Office, Englefield Estate Yard, The Street, Englefield, Reading
London
The Living Lab, Hay's Galleria, Shackleton House, 4 Battle Bridge Lane, London
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
This category is for projects up to 2,500m² and covers all award categories; corporate, commercial, fit out and refurbished/recycled workplaces
Englefield Estate Yard The Estate Office, Englefield Estate Yard, The Street, Englefield, Reading
- Client: Englefield Estate
- Owner: Englefield Estate
- Occupier: Englefield Estate
- Quantity Surveyor: Cole+
- Architect: ADAM Architecture
- Interior Designer: Kitesgrove
- M&E Engineer: WB Shiels
- Structural Engineer: RSA Design
- Contractor: Stonewood Builders
- Technology Consultant: Flux London
Englefield Estate Yard, Reading won Best Project up to 2,500m². This pioneering project has transformed an historic, Grade II listed sawmill into a modern, energy-efficient office supporting local suppliers.
Combining natural materials and renewable energy systems, the project achieved an energy performance rating upgrade from G to A. Biophilic features, generous daylight access, and wildlife-supportive measures promote wellbeing and biodiversity.
The judges applauded the building’s balance of heritage conservation, community revitalisation and cutting-edge sustainability.
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
This category is for projects up to 2,500m² and covers all award categories; corporate, commercial, fit out and refurbished/recycled workplaces.
The Living Lab, Hay's Galleria, Shackleton House, 4 Battle Bridge Lane, London
- Client: Hilson Moran
- Owner: St Martin's Property Investments
- Occupier: Hilson Moran
- Project Manager: Turner & Townsend Alinea
- Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend Alinea
- Architect: Gensler
- Interior Designer: Gensler
- M&E Engineer: Hilson Moran
- Sustainability Consultant: Hilson Moran
- Contractor: ISG (in administration)
This year’s Best Project up to 2,500m², The Living Lab is a transformative workspace that combines innovation, sustainability and functionality within a historic setting. Developed as engineering firm Hilson Moran’s new headquarters, it supports business growth while showcasing cutting-edge engineering and sustainability practices.
Adapting a Grade II listed building, the team prioritised circular economy principles, resource-efficient solutions and high-performance environmental strategies. Features such as non-metallic ductwork, demand-response ventilation and modular furniture reduce embodied carbon and allow for future flexibility. Meanwhile, the open, transparent design fosters collaboration and the judges praised the integration of sustainability, wellbeing and adaptability. Hilson Moran has used the space to showcase its skills in the best way possible, making The Living Lab an exemplary next-generation office.
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
This category is for projects up to 2,500m² and covers all award categories; corporate, commercial, fit out and refurbished/recycled workplaces.
Henry Boot HQ, Isaacs Building, 4 Charles Street, Sheffield
- Client: Henry Boot Group
- Occupier: Henry Boot Group
- Project Manager: Henry Boot Group
- Quantity Surveyor: Arcadis
- Interior Designer: Incognito
- M&E Engineer: Anderson Green
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Contractor: ADT Workplace
Winner in the Projects up to 2,500 sqm category, Henry Boot Group’s (HBG) new headquarters at Isaacs Building, Sheffield, is a workplace transformation that exemplifies modern, flexible, and sustainable design.
The judges noted: ‘This relocation from the historic Banner Cross Hall represents a significant cultural shift, fostering collaboration and innovation. Sustainability was central to the project, which achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating and reducing carbon emissions by 79%. By aligning workplace strategy with HBG’s net-zero 2030 goal, the new headquarters enhances employee engagement, boosts productivity, and sets a benchmark for sustainable workspaces. This forward-thinking approach solidifies HBG’s reputation as a leader in progressive workplace design and environmental responsibility.’
Midlands & Central England
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Spring Gardens, Shrewsbury
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Spring Gardens, Shrewsbury
- Client: Historic England
- Owner: Historic England
- Occupier: Historic England
- Project Manager: Historic England
- Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds
- Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
- Interior Designer: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
- M&E Engineer: E3 Consulting Engineers
- Structural Engineer: AKT II
- Contractor: Croft Building and Conservation
- Agent: Towler Shaw Roberts
Shrewsbury’s historic Flaxmill Maltings took home the Innovation award for its superb restoration and reuse of a 1790s building. Once known as the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the refurbishment has celebrated the original fabric and features of the building to create a flexible workspace, visitor hub and café across four levels.
BCO judges were impressed with how the project team had involved the local community from the outset, employing local people, delivering a heritage skills programme and instilling a sense of civic pride.
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
Assembly C, Bristol Cheese Lane, Bristol
- Client: AXA Real Estate / Bell Hammer
- Occupier: Multiple Tenancies
- Project Manager: Gardiner & Theobald
- Quantity Surveyor: Currie & Brown
- Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
- M&E Engineer: Hoare Lea
- Structural Engineer: Arup
- Contractor: Galliford Try Group
- Agent: Savills / JLL
Also located in Bristol, Assembly C took home the Innovation award. A striking addition to the city’s waterfront, the project converted a vacant brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainable commercial space.
The development blends strong architectural expression with environmental credentials, including BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, and WiredScore Platinum.
The building’s use of off-site prefabrication, self-finished materials and connection to Bristol’s heat network underscores its sustainability-first ethos, while its amphitheatre seating and new public realm reflect a commitment to community engagement.
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
GSK Project Emerald, GSK HQ, 79 New Oxford St, London
- Client: GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Occupier: GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Project Manager: AtkinsRéalis
- Quantity Surveyor: AtkinsRéalis
- Architect: Penson
- M&E Engineer: GDM
- Structural Engineer: Waterman
- Sustainability Consultant: Verte / Cundall
- Contractor: Overbury
- Technology Consultant: PTS Consulting
When GSK decided to relocate its headquarters from Brentford to central London, it set itself the challenge to “create the world’s healthiest workplace”, founded on the guiding principles of health, collaboration and sustainability.
The resulting Project Emerald on New Oxford Street earned it this year’s Innovation Award. Following extensive research into the best workplace environments, GSK has provided 13 different work settings, gym and terraces, plus Europe’s largest indoor vertical farm, which supports an impressive restaurant offering for both GSK’s people and the public.
The judges praised GSK’s research-based approach to the project brief and understanding of how office environments impact stress, cognitive performance and wellbeing. The team has used scientific findings to design a space that truly enhances the lives of everyone who steps inside – an approach the judges said was over and above anything they have seen applied at this stage of a project and which provides lessons for others.
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
Oldham Spindles, George Street, Oldham
- Client: Oldham Council
- Owner: Oldham Council
- Occupier: Oldham Council / Upturn
- Project Manager: Hive Projects
- Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds
- Architect: AEW Architects
- Interior Designer: Space Invader (Phase 2) / AEW Architects (Phase 1)
- M&E Engineer: Futureserve (Ph1) / WSP (Ph2) / Dalkia (Ph2)
- Structural Engineer: Renaissance (Ph1) / WSP (Ph2) / JPS (Ph2)
- Sustainability Consultant: Hilson Moran
- Contractor: Willmott Dixon (Ph2) / ADT Workplace (Ph1)
Oldham Spindles was given the Innovation award for its groundbreaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre into a vibrant, multi-functional workplace and community hub.
Judges commented: ‘Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces. A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
Unity Place, 200 Grafton Gate, Milton Keynes
- Client: Santander UK
- Owner: Santander UK
- Occupier: Santander UK
- Project Manager: Turner & Townsend
- Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend
- Brief Consultant: LOM architecture and design
- Architect: LOM architecture and design
- Interior Designer: LOM architecture and design
- M&E Engineer: WSP
- Structural Engineer: WSP
- Sustainability Consultant: WSP
- Contractor: Sisk
- Developer: Osborne + Co
- Agent: Colliers
Unity Place in Milton Keynes, Santander UK’s headquarters, won this year’s ESG award. The seven-storey, low-rise building houses over 7,000 staff across efficient 60,000 sq ft floorplates. Sustainability is central to the design, with more than 400 solar panels offsetting 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and glazed façades and full-height atria maximising natural daylight.
Judges praised how Unity Place fosters collaboration and community centred around an internal street with independent retail, restaurants, and a community hall.
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
Nomad Foods, Forge, 43 Church Street, West Woking
- Client: Nomad Foods
- Owner: Swiss Life
- Occupier: Nomad Foods
- Project Manager: Cushman & Wakefield
- Quantity Surveyor: Cushman & Wakefield
- Brief Consultant: Modus
- Architect: Modus
- Interior Designer: Modus
- M&E Engineer: Modus
- Structural Engineer: Elliott Wood
- Sustainability Consultant: Modus
- Contractor: Modus Workspace
- Investment/Property Co: V7
- Developer: V7
- Technology Consultant: Aveas
- Agent: CBRE
The ESG award went to Nomad Foods’ European HQ in West Woking for placing sustainability and employee wellbeing at its very core. Achieving SKA Gold and building on BREEAM Excellent credentials, the project reused materials, integrated real-time energy monitoring, and prioritised low-impact, healthy interior finishes.
What set it apart was its emphasis on engagement with staff during design, resulting in a vibrant, flexible workspace that supports wellbeing, inclusivity, and hybrid working. Biophilic features, ergonomic furnishings, and dedicated zones for quiet work and collaboration make this a standout ESG project.
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
11 Belgrave, London
- Client: Quadrum Global
- Owner: Quadrum Global
- Project Manager: Bankfoot
- Quantity Surveyor: Abakus
- Architect: Eric Parry Architects
- M&E Engineer: Max Fordham
- Structural Engineer: HTS
- Sustainability Consultant: Max Fordham
- Contractor: BAM
- Agent: CBRE / Cushman & Wakefield
ESG Award winner 11 Belgrave Road revitalises a dated 1950s office building, introducing elegant new façades that improve the streetscape and harmonise with the Pimlico Conservation Area.
Its Nabers 5.5-star, BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications make 11 Belgrave Road one of the most sustainable office buildings in the UK. The development was shaped by an exemplary engagement process with local residents and the adjacent school, ensuring alignment with community needs. A portion of the space has been allocated to local charities, while publicly accessible amenities – including flexible workspaces – further integrate the building into the social fabric of the neighbourhood.
Through its bold commitment to low-carbon materials, energy efficiency and community engagement, the project not only significantly reduces embodied and operational carbon but also enhances the social fabric of Pimlico, demonstrating how commercial buildings can drive both environmental and social progress.
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
Eden, Irwell Street, Salford
- Client: ECF
- Owner: ECF
- Occupier: BDO / TLT
- Project Manager: Chroma
- Quantity Surveyor: RPS
- Architect: Make Architects
- Interior Designer: SpaceInvader Design
- M&E Engineer: Atelier Ten
- Structural Engineer: Woolgar Hunter / Civic Engineers
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Contractor: Bowmer + Kirkland
- Developer: ECF
- Agent: OBI / JLL
A double winner in the ESG and Commercial Workplace categories, Eden in Salford was highly praised by the BCO judges:
‘Eden is a groundbreaking, award-winning office development that sets a new standard for sustainable workplaces. This 12-storey, Net Zero Carbon building features Europe’s largest living wall – an astonishing 3,300m² of greenery with 350,000 plants, redefining urban biodiversity. As the UK’s first 5.5-star NABERS UK Design Reviewed project, alongside BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings, it proves that commercial spaces can be both high-performance and environmentally responsible. Beyond sustainability, Eden’s social impact is equally transformative; it prioritises well-being, offering a vibrant social hub including local business Spice & Grind, wellness spaces, and a rooftop terrace.’
Category sponsor
Highly Commended Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
Havelock, Manchester
Highly Commended Fit Out of Workplace Award
Arup, 12 Wellington Place, Leeds
Highly Commended Commercial Workplace Award
4 Angle Square, NOMA, Manchester
Projects up to 2500sqm
The Living Lab, Hay's Galleria, Shackleton House, 4 Battle Bridge Lane, London
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
40 Leadenhall, 40 Leadenhall Street, London
- Client: Vanquish Properties (UK)
- Owner: Vanquish/M&G Real Estate
- Occupier: Chubb, Shawbrook/Kirkland & Ellis/Accusure/Ark/ McGill&Partners
- Project Manager: Avison Young
- Quantity Surveyor: Arcadis
- Architect: Make
- Interior Designer: Make
- M&E Engineer: WSP
- Structural Engineer: WSP
- Sustainability Consultant: WSP
- Contractor: Mace
- Developer: Nuveen Real Estate
- Technology Consultant: Arcadis
- Agent: Cushman & Wakefield/Knight Frank/CBRE/JLL
Taking the Best Commercial Workplace award, 40 Leadenhall is more than an office building – it’s a neighbourhood that will accommodate up to 10,000 people.
With a strong focus on well-being and the tenant experience, the building responds positively to the surrounding context, while making a confident statement on the City of London skyline. The design is timeless and elegant, including historical assets which have been sympathetically restored. The scheme has redefined the amenity, social and hospitality offer within offices, including a well-stocked library, 30-seat cinema room, auditorium, extensive health and fitness facilities, restaurants and terraces. A range of floorplate sizes caters to varying tenant requirements, and strong sustainability credentials include targeting BREEAM Excellent and Nabers 5-star ratings.
Overall, the scheme stood out in a highly competitive category, with the amenity provisions pushing it to the next level.
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier. The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
1EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, London
- Client: EdCity Office
- Occupier: Absolute Return for Kids (Ark)
- Project Manager: Vengrove (and Development)
- Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds / Quantem (for Fit Out)
- Brief Consultant: Vengrove
- Architect: tp bennett
- Interior Designer: Perkins & Will
- M&E Engineer: SWECO
- Structural Engineer: Mason Navarro Pledge
- Sustainability Consultant: SWECO
- Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland / Parkeray (for Fit Out)
- Technology Consultant: Quintus Timmer
- Agent: Savills
Praising the winner of the Best Corporate Workplace award, the judges said 1Ed City Walk was an incredibly challenging scheme for a not-for-profit organisation to deliver.
The project was led by a passionate client team from children’s educational charity Ark who surrounded themselves with a wider team that was equally as enthusiastic and aligned to their ambitions. The result is a building perfectly designed for end-users’ requirements, providing office, auditorium and education spaces. With strong amenity provision, the ground floor has a café open to local residents, while staff also benefit from a stunning rooftop terrace.
It has delivered a beautiful new home for Ark that sets up the charity for future success. The judges said the scale of the social offer of this scheme is unrivalled, and its community and civil impact make it a deserving winner.
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
Norton Folgate, Blossom Street, London
- Client: British Land
- Owner: British Land
- Occupier: Multiple Tenancies
- Project Manager: M3 Consulting
- Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townend | Alinea
- Architect: AHMM: Blossom Yard & Studios, Nicholls and Clarke, and Loom Court; Stanton Williams: Elder Yard and Studios; Morris + Company: 15 Norton Folgate; DSDHA:16 Blossom Street
- M&E Engineer: Arup
- Structural Engineer: AKT II
- Sustainability Consultant: Atelier Ten
- Contractor: Skanska
Norton Folgate was crowned Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace for transforming three underused and vacant buildings on the edge of the City into a vibrant mixed-use development that showcases the meticulous restoration of historic structures dating from the late 1800s.
By integrating these with thoughtfully designed new constructions, the project maintains the architectural integrity of the Elder Street Conservation Area while offering a variety of office spaces tailored to different business needs, alongside retail and leisure facilities.
The all-electric retrofit project achieved high BREEAM ratings for both new and existing structures, while collaborations with local food and beverage tenants and the support of local businesses underscore the project’s dedication to social responsibility.
Through its sensitive architectural approach, strong ESG commitments and enhancement of public spaces, the project fosters economic and social vitality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban regeneration.
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Capital Group, 1 Paddington Square, London
- Client: Capital Group
- Occupier: Capital Group
- Project Manager: CBRE
- Quantity Surveyor: CBRE
- Brief Consultant: tp bennett
- Architect: tp bennett
- Interior Designer: tp bennett
- M&E Engineer: Chapmanbdsp
- Structural Engineer: WSP
- Sustainability Consultant: WSP
- Contractor: Overbury
- Investment/Property Co: Great Western Developments. A joint venture between Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and Anchorage View Pte. (AVPL)
- Developer: Developed by Sellar in partnership with Great Western Developments
- Technology Consultant: Sebastian Day
- Agent: JLL
Capital Group’s new European headquarters at 1 Paddington Square, winner of the Best Fit Out of a Workplace category, boasts an impressive client reception and hospitality bar that is seamlessly connected by a stunning lighting sculpture.
Two feature staircases provide vertical connection through the office with a clever use of lighting that helps you effortlessly flow through the space. The office floors feel generous, with amazing access to natural daylight. The transition floor offers a variety of amenities and social areas, providing users with an assortment of spaces in which to connect and collaborate. The conference suite is beautifully appointed, showcasing some impressive artwork, and includes a box-in-box outward-facing auditorium that delivers a real “wow” moment.
The open and inclusive workplace projects style and elegance, providing facilities and amenities to inspire and encourage anyone to spend more time in the office.
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
This category is for projects up to 2,500m² and covers all award categories; corporate, commercial, fit out and refurbished/recycled workplaces.
The Living Lab, Hay's Galleria, Shackleton House, 4 Battle Bridge Lane, London
- Client: Hilson Moran
- Owner: St Martin's Property Investments
- Occupier: Hilson Moran
- Project Manager: Turner & Townsend Alinea
- Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend Alinea
- Architect: Gensler
- Interior Designer: Gensler
- M&E Engineer: Hilson Moran
- Sustainability Consultant: Hilson Moran
- Contractor: ISG (in administration)
This year’s Best Project up to 2,500m², The Living Lab is a transformative workspace that combines innovation, sustainability and functionality within a historic setting. Developed as engineering firm Hilson Moran’s new headquarters, it supports business growth while showcasing cutting-edge engineering and sustainability practices.
Adapting a Grade II listed building, the team prioritised circular economy principles, resource-efficient solutions and high-performance environmental strategies. Features such as non-metallic ductwork, demand-response ventilation and modular furniture reduce embodied carbon and allow for future flexibility. Meanwhile, the open, transparent design fosters collaboration and the judges praised the integration of sustainability, wellbeing and adaptability. Hilson Moran has used the space to showcase its skills in the best way possible, making The Living Lab an exemplary next-generation office.
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
GSK Project Emerald, GSK HQ, 79 New Oxford St, London
- Client: GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Occupier: GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Project Manager: AtkinsRéalis
- Quantity Surveyor: AtkinsRéalis
- Architect: Penson
- M&E Engineer: GDM
- Structural Engineer: Waterman
- Sustainability Consultant: Verte / Cundall
- Contractor: Overbury
- Technology Consultant: PTS Consulting
When GSK decided to relocate its headquarters from Brentford to central London, it set itself the challenge to “create the world’s healthiest workplace”, founded on the guiding principles of health, collaboration and sustainability.
The resulting Project Emerald on New Oxford Street earned it this year’s Innovation Award. Following extensive research into the best workplace environments, GSK has provided 13 different work settings, gym and terraces, plus Europe’s largest indoor vertical farm, which supports an impressive restaurant offering for both GSK’s people and the public.
The judges praised GSK’s research-based approach to the project brief and understanding of how office environments impact stress, cognitive performance and wellbeing. The team has used scientific findings to design a space that truly enhances the lives of everyone who steps inside – an approach the judges said was over and above anything they have seen applied at this stage of a project and which provides lessons for others.
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
11 Belgrave, London
- Client: Quadrum Global
- Owner: Quadrum Global
- Project Manager: Bankfoot
- Quantity Surveyor: Abakus
- Architect: Eric Parry Architects
- M&E Engineer: Max Fordham
- Structural Engineer: HTS
- Sustainability Consultant: Max Fordham
- Contractor: BAM
- Agent: CBRE / Cushman & Wakefield
ESG Award winner 11 Belgrave Road revitalises a dated 1950s office building, introducing elegant new façades that improve the streetscape and harmonise with the Pimlico Conservation Area.
Its Nabers 5.5-star, BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications make 11 Belgrave Road one of the most sustainable office buildings in the UK. The development was shaped by an exemplary engagement process with local residents and the adjacent school, ensuring alignment with community needs. A portion of the space has been allocated to local charities, while publicly accessible amenities – including flexible workspaces – further integrate the building into the social fabric of the neighbourhood.
Through its bold commitment to low-carbon materials, energy efficiency and community engagement, the project not only significantly reduces embodied and operational carbon but also enhances the social fabric of Pimlico, demonstrating how commercial buildings can drive both environmental and social progress.
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
Eden, Irwell Street, Salford
- Client: ECF
- Owner: ECF
- Occupier: BDO / TLT
- Project Manager: Chroma
- Quantity Surveyor: RPS
- Architect: Make Architects
- Interior Designer: SpaceInvader Design
- M&E Engineer: Atelier Ten
- Structural Engineer: Woolgar Hunter / Civic Engineers
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Contractor: Bowmer + Kirkland
- Developer: ECF
- Agent: OBI / JLL
A double winner in the ESG and Commercial Workplace categories, Eden in Salford was highly praised by the BCO judges:
‘Eden is a groundbreaking, award-winning office development that sets a new standard for sustainable workplaces. This 12-storey, Net Zero Carbon building features Europe’s largest living wall – an astonishing 3,300m² of greenery with 350,000 plants, redefining urban biodiversity. As the UK’s first 5.5-star NABERS UK Design Reviewed project, alongside BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings, it proves that commercial spaces can be both high-performance and environmentally responsible. Beyond sustainability, Eden’s social impact is equally transformative; it prioritises well-being, offering a vibrant social hub including local business Spice & Grind, wellness spaces, and a rooftop terrace.’
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier. The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
West Village Leeds, 114 Wellington Street
- Client: Bruntwood SciTech
- Owner: Bruntwood
- Occupier: Bruntwood SciTech
- Project Manager: Bruntwood SciTech
- Quantity Surveyor: Bruntwood SciTech
- Brief Consultant: Bruntwood SciTech
- Architect: 3D Reid
- Interior Designer: Cathy Mocke RIBA ARB (UK)
- M&E Engineer: Ramboll
- Structural Engineer: DW Consulting Engineers
- Sustainability Consultant: Principal Sustainability Consultant - Ramboll
- Contractor: Cubic Works
- Investment/Property Co: Bruntwood SciTech
- Developer: Bruntwood SciTech
- Technology Consultant: AVM Solutions (UK)
- Agent: CBRE
West Village in Leeds received the Corporate Workplace award for masterfully unifying two separate buildings into a single, cohesive estate, anchored by a striking 20,000 sq ft extension that forms a bold gateway.
Judges said: ‘The 115,000 sq ft transformation redefines modern workspace design, prioritising innovation, sustainability, and employee well-being. The fit-out seamlessly blends biophilia, advanced technology, and flexible work environments. Key features include a fully landscaped courtyard and an open-plan entrance, eliminating a traditional reception to create a more welcoming atmosphere. With collaborative workspaces, wellness facilities, inspiring art installations, and Net Zero Carbon strategies achieving an EPC A rating, this project sets a new benchmark for contemporary workplace excellence.’
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
Oldham Spindles, George Street, Oldham
- Client: Oldham Council
- Owner: Oldham Council
- Occupier: Oldham Council / Upturn
- Project Manager: Hive Projects
- Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds
- Architect: AEW Architects
- Interior Designer: Space Invader (Phase 2) / AEW Architects (Phase 1)
- M&E Engineer: Futureserve (Ph1) / WSP (Ph2) / Dalkia (Ph2)
- Structural Engineer: Renaissance (Ph1) / WSP (Ph2) / JPS (Ph2)
- Sustainability Consultant: Hilson Moran
- Contractor: Willmott Dixon (Ph2) / ADT Workplace (Ph1)
Oldham Spindles was given the Innovation award for its groundbreaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre into a vibrant, multi-functional workplace and community hub.
Judges commented: ‘Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces. A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Deloitte, Manchester, 100 Embankment Cathedral Approach
- Client: Deloitte
- Owner: Deloitte
- Occupier: Deloitte
- Project Manager: Deloitte
- Quantity Surveyor: Deloitte
- Brief Consultant: BDP
- Interior Designer: BDP
- M&E Engineer: TB+A
- Structural Engineer: BDP
- Sustainability Consultant: TB+A
- Contractor: ISG
- Technology Consultant: Cordess
Deloitte’s office at 100 Embankment, Salford, was named champion in the Fit Out of Workplace category.
Judges said: ‘This award-winning office exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, setting new benchmarks for hybrid working environments. The 6,085 sqm space is designed to foster collaboration, flexibility, and well-being, incorporating cutting-edge technology, sustainable materials, and dynamic workspaces. This transformative workplace embodies Deloitte’s vision, creating a thriving community hub that redefines employee experience and business innovation.’
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
This category is for projects up to 2,500m² and covers all award categories; corporate, commercial, fit out and refurbished/recycled workplaces.
Henry Boot HQ, Isaacs Building, 4 Charles Street, Sheffield
- Client: Henry Boot Group
- Occupier: Henry Boot Group
- Project Manager: Henry Boot Group
- Quantity Surveyor: Arcadis
- Interior Designer: Incognito
- M&E Engineer: Anderson Green
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Contractor: ADT Workplace
Winner in the Projects up to 2,500 sqm category, Henry Boot Group’s (HBG) new headquarters at Isaacs Building, Sheffield, is a workplace transformation that exemplifies modern, flexible, and sustainable design.
The judges noted: ‘This relocation from the historic Banner Cross Hall represents a significant cultural shift, fostering collaboration and innovation. Sustainability was central to the project, which achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating and reducing carbon emissions by 79%. By aligning workplace strategy with HBG’s net-zero 2030 goal, the new headquarters enhances employee engagement, boosts productivity, and sets a benchmark for sustainable workspaces. This forward-thinking approach solidifies HBG’s reputation as a leader in progressive workplace design and environmental responsibility.’
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
Eden, Irwell Street, Salford
- Client: ECF
- Owner: ECF
- Occupier: BDO / TLT
- Project Manager: Chroma
- Quantity Surveyor: RPS
- Architect: Make Architects
- Interior Designer: SpaceInvader Design
- M&E Engineer: Atelier Ten
- Structural Engineer: Woolgar Hunter / Civic Engineers
- Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
- Contractor: Bowmer + Kirkland
- Developer: ECF
- Agent: OBI / JLL
A double winner in the ESG and Commercial Workplace categories, Eden in Salford was highly praised by the BCO judges:
‘Eden is a groundbreaking, award-winning office development that sets a new standard for sustainable workplaces. This 12-storey, Net Zero Carbon building features Europe’s largest living wall – an astonishing 3,300m² of greenery with 350,000 plants, redefining urban biodiversity. As the UK’s first 5.5-star NABERS UK Design Reviewed project, alongside BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings, it proves that commercial spaces can be both high-performance and environmentally responsible. Beyond sustainability, Eden’s social impact is equally transformative; it prioritises well-being, offering a vibrant social hub including local business Spice & Grind, wellness spaces, and a rooftop terrace.’
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
Foundation, Altrincham, 122 George Street
- Client: Bruntwood & Trafford Council
- Owner: Bruntwood Trafford
- Occupier: Several
- Project Manager: Bruntwood Trafford
- Quantity Surveyor: Richard Boothroyd & Associates
- Architect: BDP
- Interior Designer: AXI / BDP
- M&E Engineer: Hurstwood
- Structural Engineer: DW Consulting Engineering
- Contractor: Cubic Works
- Developer: Bruntwood
As Refurbished/Recycled Workplace of the Year, the Foundation redevelopment in Altrincham is an award-winning transformation, repurposing the former Rackhams department store into a dynamic hub for work, leisure, and community engagement.
Judges noted that the project revitalises the town centre, providing a new gateway with modern offices, co-working spaces, retail, and dining: ‘Foundation sets a new benchmark for urban regeneration, proving that adaptive reuse can drive long-term economic and social impact.’
Category sponsor
Highly Commended Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
Havelock, Manchester
Highly Commended Fit Out of Workplace Award
Arup, 12 Wellington Place, Leeds
Highly Commended Commercial Workplace Award
4 Angle Square, NOMA, Manchester
Projects up to 2500sqm
Englefield Estate Yard The Estate Office, Englefield Estate Yard, The Street, Englefield, Reading
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
ONE Station Hill Garrard St, Reading
- Client: Lincoln MGT
- Project Manager: Cast
- Quantity Surveyor: Cast
- Architect: Gensler
- M&E Engineer: Hoare Lea
- Structural Engineer: Ramboll
- Sustainability Consultant: Hoare Lea
- Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
- Investment/Property Co: Lincoln MGT
- Developer: Lincoln MGT
- Technology Consultant: Equiem
A landmark in Reading’s regeneration, ONE Station Hill received the award for Best Commercial Workplace. Part of an £850 million masterplan to revitalise the area, the building delivers 275,000 sqft of Grade A workspace that exemplifies sustainable office design – net zero carbon, all-electric, and BREEAM Outstanding.
With amenities including a fitness club, rooftop terraces, and smart tech integration via its dedicated app, ONE Station Hill successfully promotes productivity and wellness.
More than 40% of the development has been pre-let over to global firms such as PepsiCo and PwC.
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier.
The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
spark| sbarc Maindy Road, Cardiff
- Client: Cardiff University
- Owner: Cardiff University
- Project Manager: Gleeds
- Architect: Hawkins\Brown
- Interior Designer: Hawkins\Brown
- M&E Engineer: Arup
- Structural Engineer: Jacobs
- Contractor: Bouygues
Cardiff University’s groundbreaking spark|sbarc building was crowned Best Corporate Workplace. The building sets a new standard for academic and enterprise collaboration, with its state-of-the-art amenities, public event spaces, and seamless integration of social science research and enterprise.
Its visually striking and functional centrepiece is an ocular staircase which spirals upward through the seven-storey space, encouraging movement and interaction. Flexible workspaces, labs, and exhibition areas create an inspiring environment for students, academics, entrepreneurs and the wider community.
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
Blok, Bristol One Castle Park, Tower Hill, Bristol
- Client: Boultbee Brooks (Castle Park)
- Owner: Boultbee Brooks Real Estate
- Project Manager: Constructive TPM
- Quantity Surveyor: Constructive TPM
- Architect: Mutiny Architecture
- Interior Designer: Oktra
- M&E Engineer: TFT Consultants
- Structural Engineer: Clarke Bond
- Sustainability Consultant: Scotch & Partners
- Contractor: Lancer Scott
- Technology Consultant: GFR Tech
- Agent: Savills / CBRE
BLOK Bristol was the recipient of the award for Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace. BCO judges were impressed with how the project successfully breathed new life into One Castle Park, repurposing the existing 1980s structure while prioritising sustainability through carbon-conscious upgrades.
A ground floor communal business lounge, bustling coffee shop and landscaped gardens create an engaging social atmosphere. Adaptable floorplans and diverse leasing options cater to modern tenants, making BLOK a model for urban development.
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Dojo Bristol, 111 Victoria St
- Client: Dojo
- Owner: CEG
- Occupier: Dojo
- Project Manager: Cushman & Wakefield
- Quantity Surveyor: Fanshawe
- Brief Consultant: BDG Architecture + Design
- Architect: BDG Architecture + Design
- Interior Designer: BDG Architecture + Design
- M&E Engineer: AECOM
- Structural Engineer: Arup
- Contractor: Overbury
- Technology Consultant: Cordless Consultants
Winning the award for Best Fit out Workplace, Dojo’s 54,770 sq ft Bristol HQ sets a new benchmark for contact centre design. With 402 desk spaces, flexible areas, and a lively social hub with a barista bar, the office supports both productivity and wellbeing. Rich in local character, with graffiti art by Bristol-based artists, the fit-out blends biophilia with residential-inspired furnishings.
Dojo’s inclusive design features multi-faith and wellness rooms, while sustainability is prioritised through the use of recycled materials, smart lighting systems and minimal alterations to the base build.
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
This category is for projects up to 2,500m² and covers all award categories; corporate, commercial, fit out and refurbished/recycled workplaces
Englefield Estate Yard The Estate Office, Englefield Estate Yard, The Street, Englefield, Reading
- Client: Englefield Estate
- Owner: Englefield Estate
- Occupier: Englefield Estate
- Quantity Surveyor: Cole+
- Architect: ADAM Architecture
- Interior Designer: Kitesgrove
- M&E Engineer: WB Shiels
- Structural Engineer: RSA Design
- Contractor: Stonewood Builders
- Technology Consultant: Flux London
Englefield Estate Yard, Reading won Best Project up to 2,500m². This pioneering project has transformed an historic, Grade II listed sawmill into a modern, energy-efficient office supporting local suppliers.
Combining natural materials and renewable energy systems, the project achieved an energy performance rating upgrade from G to A. Biophilic features, generous daylight access, and wildlife-supportive measures promote wellbeing and biodiversity.
The judges applauded the building’s balance of heritage conservation, community revitalisation and cutting-edge sustainability.
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
Assembly C, Bristol Cheese Lane, Bristol
- Client: AXA Real Estate / Bell Hammer
- Occupier: Multiple Tenancies
- Project Manager: Gardiner & Theobald
- Quantity Surveyor: Currie & Brown
- Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
- M&E Engineer: Hoare Lea
- Structural Engineer: Arup
- Contractor: Galliford Try Group
- Agent: Savills / JLL
Also located in Bristol, Assembly C took home the Innovation award. A striking addition to the city’s waterfront, the project converted a vacant brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainable commercial space.
The development blends strong architectural expression with environmental credentials, including BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, and WiredScore Platinum.
The building’s use of off-site prefabrication, self-finished materials and connection to Bristol’s heat network underscores its sustainability-first ethos, while its amphitheatre seating and new public realm reflect a commitment to community engagement.
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
Nomad Foods, Forge, 43 Church Street, West Woking
- Client: Nomad Foods
- Owner: Swiss Life
- Occupier: Nomad Foods
- Project Manager: Cushman & Wakefield
- Quantity Surveyor: Cushman & Wakefield
- Brief Consultant: Modus
- Architect: Modus
- Interior Designer: Modus
- M&E Engineer: Modus
- Structural Engineer: Elliott Wood
- Sustainability Consultant: Modus
- Contractor: Modus Workspace
- Investment/Property Co: V7
- Developer: V7
- Technology Consultant: Aveas
- Agent: CBRE
The ESG award went to Nomad Foods’ European HQ in West Woking for placing sustainability and employee wellbeing at its very core. Achieving SKA Gold and building on BREEAM Excellent credentials, the project reused materials, integrated real-time energy monitoring, and prioritised low-impact, healthy interior finishes.
What set it apart was its emphasis on engagement with staff during design, resulting in a vibrant, flexible workspace that supports wellbeing, inclusivity, and hybrid working. Biophilic features, ergonomic furnishings, and dedicated zones for quiet work and collaboration make this a standout ESG project.
Projects up to 1500sqm
JLL One Centenary Way, 4th Floor, One Centenary Way, Birmingham
Commercial Workplace Award
A new building initiated on a speculative basis for commercial letting including buildings that are substantially pre-let or sold on to an occupier. In this category only the base build is judged.
The Clarendon Works, 39 Clarendon Road, Watford
- Client: Regal
- Owner: Regal
- Project Manager: Regal
- Quantity Surveyor: Regal
- Brief Consultant: Regal
- Architect: Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects
- Interior Designer: Regal
- M&E Engineer: Chapman BDSP
- Structural Engineer: Terrell
- Sustainability Consultant: Whitecode Consulting
- Contractor: Regal
- Investment/Property Co: Regal
- Developer: Regal
- Agent: Lambert Smith Hampton / Bray Fox Smith / Knight Frank
The Clarendon Works, a 140,000 sq ft Grade A office development in Watford, was awarded the prize for Best Corporate Workplace. BCO judges praised its well-designed communal and amenity spaces, which include a café, roof terrace, private bar, bike storage, changing rooms, and fitness suites. Boasting market leading environmental, wellbeing, and digital connectivity certifications – including EPC A, BREEAM Excellent, WELL Platinum, ActiveScore, and WiredScore – the scheme is 80% pre-let, cementing its position as one of the most sought-after commercial offerings in the town.
Category sponsor
Corporate Workplace Award
This award is open to either a building commissioned by owner-occupiers or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier.
The entry will be judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit out.
Unusual HQ, The Wharf, Bugbrooke, Northampton
- Client: Unusual Rigging
- Owner: Unusual Rigging
- Occupier: Unusual Rigging
- Architect: Corstorphine & Wright
- Interior Designer: Corstorphine & Wright
- M&E Engineer: Ingine
- Structural Engineer: Momentum Engineering
- Sustainability Consultant: KLH Sustainability
- Contractor: Foxton Construction
Unusual HQ in Northamptonshire won the Corporate Workplace award, with BCO judges hailing the project as a “pioneering achievement” in sustainable design. The two-storey building uses biogenic and reclaimed materials, generating more energy than it consumes. Focused on low-carbon design and circular economy principles, it successfully balances functionality, creativity, and aesthetic appeal. Notably, it has been designed for full disassembly and reuse at the end of its life – a rare distinction for a commercial building.
Category sponsor
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace Award
A corporate or commercial building where significant works have been carried out to adapt the existing building to modern office use. Buildings involving only façade retention would be considered as new builds.
The Entopia Building, 1 Regent St
- Client: University of Cambridge
- Owner: University of Cambridge
- Occupier: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Project Manager: 3PM
- Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobold
- Brief Consultant: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Architect: Architype lead architect / Fielden + Mawson delivery architect (RIBA 4-6)
- Interior Designer: Eve Waldron Design
- M&E Engineer: Max Fordham / BDP
- Structural Engineer: BDP / CAR
- Sustainability Consultant: Architype- Passivhaus Designer (RIBA 1-3) and Carbon Consultant & Client Advisor; Max Fordham- Passivhaus Designer; Mead Consulting - Passivhaus and EnerPHit Certifier
- Contractor: ISG
The Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award went to The Entopia Building, home to the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. This former 1930s telephone exchange has been reimagined as a sustainable, collaborative office space spanning more than 32,000 sq ft. The building meets ambitious environmental standards, including EnerPHit Classic, WELL Gold, and BREEAM Outstanding – making it the first of its kind globally.
The judges praised the project team for taking a new approach to refurbishment that raises industry standards.
Fit Out of Workplace Award
This category awards a space, or spaces, within a building that demonstrates a high quality of interior fit-out.
Project Arden, 4th Floor, 1 Manor House Drive, Coventry
- Client: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Owner: IM Properties
- Occupier: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Project Manager: Savills
- Quantity Surveyor: Savills
- Brief Consultant: Overbury
- Interior Designer: Overbury
- M&E Engineer: Overbury
- Sustainability Consultant: Alphacell
- Contractor: Overbury
Project Arden in Coventry was crowned Best Fit out of Workplace. Designed for hybrid working, the office provides a collaborative working environment for Cambridge University Press and Assessment, which seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology. The building’s BREEAM Very Good rating and EPC A certification support its environmental goals, while the fit-out achieved SKA Gold certification through significant waste recycling and reduced carbon emissions.
Judges were impressed with the teamwork between client and contractor, resulting in a space that is flexible, personable and enjoyed by all.
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500m² Award
JLL One Centenary Way, 4th Floor, One Centenary Way, Birmingham
- Client: JLL
- Owner: MEPC Federated Hermes
- Occupier: JLL
- Project Manager: JLL
- Quantity Surveyor: JLL
- Architect: Tetris Design & Build
- Interior Designer: Tetris Design & Build
- M&E Engineer: WSP
- Structural Engineer: Blue Engineering
- Sustainability Consultant: JLL
- Contractor: Tetris Design & Build
- Technology Consultant: WSP
- Agent: JLL
JLL’s One Centenary Way in Birmingham was the recipient of the award for Projects up to 2,500m². An underused and disconnected workspace has been transformed into an inclusive environment that enhances collaboration and wellbeing, and caters to the needs of employees and clients alike.
BCO judges deemed this to be an exemplary sustainable fit-out, limiting embodied carbon through the re-use of base build materials and considered material selection. The extent of biophilia, variety of working areas, and acoustic measures, all contribute to the success of the project.
Innovation Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the Innovation Award. For the first time this award is presented on a regional level and recognises a significant level of innovation in one, or more, fields.
In recognition of the importance of this category, and to highlight some of the exceptional innovative concepts that are developed across the UK’s buildings every year, the BCO introduced the Regional Innovation Award.
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Spring Gardens, Shrewsbury
- Client: Historic England
- Owner: Historic England
- Occupier: Historic England
- Project Manager: Historic England
- Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds
- Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
- Interior Designer: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
- M&E Engineer: E3 Consulting Engineers
- Structural Engineer: AKT II
- Contractor: Croft Building and Conservation
- Agent: Towler Shaw Roberts
Shrewsbury’s historic Flaxmill Maltings took home the Innovation award for its superb restoration and reuse of a 1790s building. Once known as the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the refurbishment has celebrated the original fabric and features of the building to create a flexible workspace, visitor hub and café across four levels.
BCO judges were impressed with how the project team had involved the local community from the outset, employing local people, delivering a heritage skills programme and instilling a sense of civic pride.
ESG Award
Regional Judges are asked to consider all projects for the ESG Award. The Environment, Social & Governance Award recognises a project that will have a game changing influence on the environment, social value, governance or sustainable outcomes in the commercial building sector.
Winners for this category are nominated and chosen by the regional judges from any of the other categories and presented at the regional awards. All regional winners go on to compete for the National ESG Award in October.
Unity Place, 200 Grafton Gate, Milton Keynes
- Client: Santander UK
- Owner: Santander UK
- Occupier: Santander UK
- Project Manager: Turner & Townsend
- Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend
- Brief Consultant: LOM architecture and design
- Architect: LOM architecture and design
- Interior Designer: LOM architecture and design
- M&E Engineer: WSP
- Structural Engineer: WSP
- Sustainability Consultant: WSP
- Contractor: Sisk
- Developer: Osborne + Co
- Agent: Colliers
Unity Place in Milton Keynes, Santander UK’s headquarters, won this year’s ESG award. The seven-storey, low-rise building houses over 7,000 staff across efficient 60,000 sq ft floorplates. Sustainability is central to the design, with more than 400 solar panels offsetting 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and glazed façades and full-height atria maximising natural daylight.
Judges praised how Unity Place fosters collaboration and community centred around an internal street with independent retail, restaurants, and a community hall.
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May 12, 2025 
By Katharina Balassa 
The BCO Scottish Awards Lunch returns on 16 May @ 12:00 - 15:30 at the 
Too funny. Vicki Walker Lucky for you, The BCO Guide to Spec(savers) is coming next.
)itish Council for Offices Regional Awards judges are doing the rounds. Best of luck to 
