The Civic Trust Awards proudly celebrated its 66th Anniversary with the annual Awards Ceremony held on Friday 4th April at The Concorde Conference Centre, Altrincham and hosted by CTA Patron George Clarke.

We were thrilled to see the continued international resonance of the Civic Trust Awards, evidenced by over 250 entries from across the UK, Canada, Germany, India, and Sweden. 68 were presented with Awards or were Highly Commended by the Civic Trust Awards, Pro-Tem Awards, AABC Conservation Awards and Selwyn Goldsmith Awards for Universal Design. 

The  Ceremony saw architects, council leaders and built environment professionals from all over the world come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have contributed to our communities through their exceptional work in architecture, urban design, planning, public realm and public art.

Since 1959, the Civic Trust Awards have become an important platform to recognise the very best in the built environment. We are proud to be honouring this year's winners who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in their respective fields. Their work has not only enriched our physical environment but has also helped to create a better sense of place and identity for our communities.

6 highly coveted Special Awards were given to schemes which have demonstrated truly outstanding work in a specific field. All projects of award-winning standard were considered for each of the Special Awards by National Judging Panel members and Sponsors who determined the individual winners.

The 2025 Outstanding Achievement Special Award which is chosen by National Judging Panel Members as the overall exemplary scheme from the year’s Award-winning projects went to Union Terrace Gardens by LDA Design and Stallan Brand for Aberdeen City Council. Judges described the project as “a triumph of master planning, landscaping, architecture and external lighting”

LDA Design also won the Special Award for Sustainability with their West End Project for Camden Council. This Award, sponsored by Derwent London, is presented to an exemplar project, that demonstrates excellent sustainability credentials in terms of overall design parameters, material selection, construction methods and long-term energy consumption. Head of Sustainability for Derwent London John Davies said, “the project stood out in this year’s entries because of its bold ambition to tackle the urban greening challenge across multiple sites across Camden, taking back the hard urban landscape and re-introducing nature. Benefiting not only the air quality across the borough but also bringing people closer to nature. This is a highly worthy winner and a model template for the rest of London and other cities in the UK.”

The Special Award for Reuse & Adaptation sponsored by EPR Architects and presented to an exceptional scheme that would otherwise be left to decay or be demolished to address present-day needs, went to the Mary Ward Centre by AWW. EPR Design Director Pascal Wensink said “this project is a worthy winner and excellent example of what an adaptive reuse ethos can deliver. The conversion from underutilised low grade office accommodation to community led education facility, whilst retaining 65% of the original building structure, has been transformative for the client, the building and the wider context. The design demonstrates all the benefits of a retrofit first approach without compromise to design quality and inclusivity.”

For the first time, the Michael Middleton Special Award went to two individual projects. This Award is presented as a memorial and tribute to Michael Middleton CBE, who established the Civic Trust Awards in 1959, to an outstanding restoration project or new build within a conservation area. Sponsored by BlueLight Management the first recipient was the Elizabeth Tower by Purcell for Strategic Estates. It was described by judges as “a monumental achievement in historic building conservation, that not only restored the tower’s structural integrity and aesthetic grandeur, but also enriched its historical authenticity and functionality, benefiting the community and its users significantly.”

The second winner of the 2025 Michael Middleton Special Award was Westminster Hall Conservation Project by Donald Insall Associates for UK Parliament. Malcolm Hankey, Managing Director of sponsor BlueLight Management said “this conservation project showcases innovative techniques and a commitment to balancing architectural integrity with modern functions. Its restoration has not only preserved its architectural splendour but also enhanced its role as a vital space for public and political life. It exemplifies how thoughtful restoration can enhance the functionality and accessibility of a historic building, benefiting both the community and future generations”

The 2025 Special Award for Community Impact & Engagement was presented to Tower Court by Adam Khan Architects and muf architecture/art with Child Graddon Lewis for Hackney Council by National Judging Panel member Clare Barton who said “successful community engagement is a cornerstone of high-quality, responsive design, and this project serves as a testament to how meaningful dialogue with residents can lead to architecture that both meets community needs and upholds the highest design standards. The success of this engagement is evident in the final design features, which directly respond to community feedback, exemplifying how deep and respectful community involvement can lead to design solutions that are not just functional, but truly beloved by those who inhabit them.”

Images from the Ceremony can be viewed HERE

2025 Winners Logos

2025 Civic Trust Award 

2025 Civic Trust Highly Commended

2025 Pro-Tem Award

2025 Pro-Tem Highly Commended

2025 AABC Conservation Award

2025 AABC Conservation Highly Commended

2025 Selwyn Goldsmith Award

2025 Selwyn Goldsmith Highly Commended

2025 Outstanding Achievement Special Award

2025 Special Awards for Sustainability

2025 Special Award for Reuse & Adaptation

2025 Michael Middleton Special Award Elizabeth Tower

2025 Michael Middleton Special Award Westminster Hall

2025 Special Award for Community Impact & Engagement

2025 Regional Finalist