People, place and planet prosper at BCO Midlands & Central England Awards

Region’s best-in-class offices crowned at annual awards ceremony

Tag ( News, construction, building, offices, BCO, awards, workspace, Midlands, workplace )

By BCO Media

May 08, 2026

A focus on people, place and protecting the planet came through powerfully in this year’s winners of the BCO’s Midlands & Central England Awards.

On Friday 8 May 2026 at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, the BCO’s annual awards lunch celebrated five incredible workplaces, ranging from transformative refurbishments to an exemplary, double-award-winning office development.

The BCO regional award winners for the Midlands & Central England are:

Commercial Workplace: Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
Fit Out of Workplace: Standard Life, 10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham
Projects up to 2,500 sq m: NESO The Energy Lab, Warwick
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: 19 Cornwall Street, Birmingham
Innovation:1 BHIC, Birmingham
ESG: Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

Double winner Three Chamberlain Square stood out for judges for placing sustainability, wellbeing and operational carbon at the core of its design and development and for “redefining what is possible in a heritage setting”.

Emma Cochrane, chair of the Midlands & Central England judging panel and director at Weedon Architects said: “The BCO Awards continue to recognise the teams creating exceptional workplaces. This year’s entries demonstrate the ongoing evolution of office design, with a strong focus on high-quality spaces that foster collaboration and prioritise people’s wellbeing. Sustainability and carbon-conscious design continue to drive innovation in re-use, material selection, and experimentation. Congratulations to all the regional winners, and best of luck in the National Awards.”

Rob van Zyl, chair of the BCO Midlands Committee and partner at Cundall said: “The BCO Awards recognise offices that push the boundaries of what great workplaces can be. This year’s winning projects highlight how intelligent design, low‑carbon thinking and a human‑centred approach can come together to create buildings that are resilient, flexible and inspiring.

“They reflect the Midlands and Central England’s growing reputation for delivering high‑quality, sustainable workplaces — offices that not only perform well technically, but support wellbeing, productivity and positive social impact.”

Samantha McClary, BCO chief executive, added: “BCO award winning workspaces continue to define what good looks like and it is incredibly inspiring to see, not just through the winners, but through every entry, how our sector is creating places with purpose. Places that put people and the planet at the heart of what they deliver. This sector is leading the way and it is a great privilege for the BCO to be able to celebrate best-in-class and to showcase the excellence that our designers, developers and operators of workspaces are creating. Congratulations to all our winners and shortlisted entries.”

Midlands and Central England winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 6 October 2026 at London’s Grosvenor House hotel. Tickets go on sale next month.

This year’s Gold sponsors are AET Flexible Space and Troup and Bywaters + Anders. Overbury and Quantem are Silver sponsors. Estates Gazette is media partner for the awards.

THE WINNERS:

Commercial Workplace and ESG Award: Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

What is it? A commercial workplace distinguished by its terracotta façade, forming part of the 1.8m sq ft Paradise masterplan.

The judges said: “Sustainability, wellbeing and operational carbon were at the core of the design and construction process, resulting in a fully electric and fossil fuel free development. The scheme demonstrates exemplary environmental credentials and material innovation, achieving BREEAM Outstanding and targeting a NABERS 5* rating – firsts for the West Midlands – alongside an EPC A rating, WiredScore and ActiveScore Platinum. Responding sensitively to its historic context, the project draws inspiration from its surroundings while redefining what is possible in a heritage setting.”

Fit Out of Workplace: 10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham

What is it? A sixth-floor transformation for Phoenix Group, marking a pivotal move under the Standard Life brand from its expansive former Wythall campus to a compact city-centre hub.

The judges said: “The new workplace delivers a dynamic, people-focused environment centred on collaboration, flexibility and wellbeing. Adaptable workstations, biophilic design and the extensive reuse of materials significantly reduce embodied carbon, while smart utilisation technology enhances operational efficiency. The project is recognised as a forward-looking workplace that successfully balances flexibility, performance and employee experience, reflecting a renewed sense of culture and identity.”

Projects up to 2,500m²: NESO The Energy Lab, Warwick

What is it? A pilot scheme representing a workplace solution that facilitated the transition away from National Grid into an independent organisation.

The judges said: “Achieved through a collaborative approach which included an extensive 90-strong staff-led design process, this project places its people at the centre of its vision. The judges were particularly impressed by the circular economy principles adopted, with the reuse of existing materials and remanufactured furniture forming a core part of the delivery. The notable achievement of zero waste to landfill further distinguished the scheme.”

Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: 19 Cornwall Street, Birmingham

What is it? A back-to-frame refurbishment retaining and reusing much of the existing fabric while fundamentally repurposing the asset into a modern workplace with a focus on ESG and occupier wellbeing.

The judges said: “Recycled materials are integral to the design, supporting an operational net zero carbon approach. Material use was minimised, with a focus on low-carbon, locally sourced, and high-recycled-content options. The building has embraced Smart Pass technology, offering seamless connectivity and user experience, alongside sophisticated building system control with data capture for monitoring and reporting. This refurbishment is an excellent example of carefully measured sympathetic intervention to deliver a modern, future-ready workplace.”

Innovation: No.1 BHIC, Birmingham

What is it? No.1 BHIC represents the first phase of a health and innovation campus near the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The judges said: “From the impressive double-height event space and communal café to a diverse mix of laboratory, flexible office and training environments, this project sets a new UK benchmark for integrated commercial, clinical and academic workplaces. Strong occupancy success at the time of visit reflects its market appeal. Underpinned by a robust approach to sustainability and future-proofing, No.1 BHIC combines all the key ingredients needed to create a nationally significant destination for the life sciences sector.”