Regeneration and sustainability shine at BCO South of England & South Wales Awards

From Pixel in Penzance to Arlington Square in Bracknell, workspaces across the South of England and South Wales are leading the way in design, sustainability and occupier experience.

Six incredible buildings were crowned winners at the BCO awards, held at We The Curious in Bristol last night.

Swansea Council’s 71-72 The Kingsway picked up two awards for Commercial Workplace and Innovation. Judges said that the building stood out for its “seamless integration of architectural quality, sustainability, and user-focused innovation”.

The scheme was described as an “enabler for future regeneration” in Swansea that was “pushing boundaries, delivering creative solutions in design, construction, and environmental performance that elevate both occupier experience and long-term asset value”.

The BCO award winners for the South of England and South Wales are:

• Commercial Workplace: 71-72 The Kingsway, Swansea
• Corporate Workplace: Pixel Penzance, Causewayhead, Penzance
• Fit Out of Workplace: Christopher Ward HQ, 14-18 Bell Street, Maidenhead
• Projects up to 2,500 sq m: 3 Arlington Square, Bracknell
• Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: The Works, Farleigh Bridge, East Farleigh
• Innovation: 71-72 The Kingsway, Swansea
• ESG: Welcome Building, Avon Street, Bristol

Harry Allen, chair of the South of England & South Wales judging panel and director, South West Office Agency at Savills, said: “What stands out across this year’s projects is their impact beyond the workplace itself. From revitalising town centres and supporting local economies to redefining the role of the modern office, each scheme demonstrates how far the sector has evolved. Collectively, they reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing and creating workplaces with a strong sense of place.”

Samantha McClary, BCO chief executive, added: “Vibrant, impactful, enablers, drivers of economic growth. This is exactly what our workspaces are and this has been powerfully underscored by not just this year’s winners at the South of England & South Wales BCO Awards, but through every project shortlist. Innovation is clearly strong in the region and the depth and breadth of projects from Cornwall to Berkshire is not just inspiring to see but is clear further evidence that the idea that the office is dead, is most definitely fake news.”

South of England & South Wales winners will compete to be the best of the best at the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 6 October 2026 at London’s Grosvenor House hotel. Tickets go on sale on 3 June.

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

THE WINNERS:

Commercial Workplace and Innovation Award: 71-72 The Kingsway, Swansea

What is it? A standout commercial scheme that sets a new benchmark for workplace design, combining high-performance building systems with flexible, future-ready spaces.

The judges said: “71-72 The Kingsway stood out for its seamless integration of architectural quality, sustainability, and user-focused innovation. It is an enabler for future regeneration of Swansea city centre, with multiple active frontages, new routes, and a bold architectural approach. It is innovative in both its sustainable and visual design, material use and procurement strategy in a challenging rental market. This scheme pushes boundaries, delivering creative solutions in design, construction, and environmental performance that elevate both occupier experience and long-term asset value.”

 Corporate Workplace: Pixel Penzance, Causewayhead, Penzance

What is it? A design-led response to high street decline, creating a landmark creative hub that blends innovation with heritage.

The judges said: “Pixel’s flexible, future-proofed studio leasing model actively supports Penzance’s creative sector, driving economic regeneration and community engagement. The project  demonstrates long-term value and showcases robust environmental credentials: BREEAM Excellent, lifecycle carbon assessment and passive design. Pixel shows how corporate investment can revive communities, champion sustainability and nurture business ecosystems.”

Fit Out of Workplace: Christopher Ward HQ, 14-18 Bell Street, Maidenhead

What is it? A 10,079 sq ft fit out integrating administration, design studios, logistics, repair facilities, and customer experience showrooms under one roof.

The judges said: “This holistic approach optimises the flow of components and is designed to accommodate future growth and flexible working. The “pickable” showroom walls are original and give customers direct physical interaction, enhancing brand experience and reinforcing Christopher Ward’s identity as a maker of high-quality mechanical watches. The fit out excels by consolidating operations. It successfully supports hybrid working while providing high quality customer engagement through interactive showrooms. The scheme also demonstrates value and sustainability, with 92% of construction waste being recycled or reused.”

Projects up to 2,500m²: 3 Arlington Square, Bracknell

What is it? A vibrant workplace transformation that blends wellness, connectivity, and outdoor amenities in a campus-style setting.

The judges said: “Aligned with the principles championed by BCO, this project illustrates how targeted design interventions, even at a relatively small scale, can have a big impact and transform underutilised common areas within an existing building. The amenities significantly improve the tenant experience while fostering community and promoting wellbeing within the workplace. What made this a compelling entry is the sense of community this creates, achieved within a modest footprint.”

Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: The Works, Farleigh Bridge, East Farleigh

What is it? A small but impactful and well-crafted refurbishment that exemplifies the value of reuse and reinvention.

The judges said: “Sensitive yet transformative, this project has breathed new life into the structure of a Victorian pump house with great visual appeal. The project strikes an effective balance between retaining character and introducing contemporary interventions, demonstrating strong sustainability credentials through material reuse and reduced embodied carbon. A thoughtful and well executed scheme that highlights the potential of refurbishment as a viable and responsible alternative to new build.”

ESG Award: Welcome Building, Bristol

What is it? A best-in-class commercial development that has helped redefine Grade A office provision in Bristol.

The judges said: “It delivers exceptional sustainability, wellbeing and amenity standards, achieving BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A and targeting a NABERS 5 Star rating. Its striking design, with large flexible floorplates and an amenity-rich internal “Street”, creates a vibrant, hospitality-led environment of exceptional quality. The project also delivered meaningful social value through local employment, community initiatives and public art. With its landmark presence, market-leading specification and curated interiors, Welcome Building represents a significant step forward for commercial workspace in the region.”

BCO South of England and South Wales media contact: Georgie Butler at Barques on 0121 230 2080