The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service (GCSP) and the Cambridge Forum for the Construction Industry (CFCI) announced the winners of the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2025 at a ceremony on Wednesday 12 March.
The event was hosted by the CFCI at The Auditorium (former Emmanuel United Reform Church), Pembroke College, Cambridge, with thanks to event sponsor Wolseley Pipe & Climate Centre. The awards are facilitated jointly by CFCI volunteer trustees and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, which is the shared planning service for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils.
Submissions were welcomed from the Greater Cambridge area, which includes Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The awards celebrate the best construction projects completed in Greater Cambridge, including new buildings and conservation, alterations, or extensions to existing buildings.
The judging panel is chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds, former master of Emmanuel College Cambridge and former director-general of the National Trust. The judges visited shortlisted projects in early February to examine the buildings submitted in greater detail and experience the spaces first-hand.
The judging criteria included the context and the brief for the building, the design solution adopted, the quality and difficulty of the construction and the craftsmanship displayed in the building. Accessibility and the creation of an inclusive environment are also vital considerations.
Each scheme is expected to address environmental concerns, including energy performance. In addition, where possible, the projects are expected to contribute to the natural environment both on the building and in the landscape around the building.
There are also ‘People Award’ categories for those working in the construction industry and related professions. The people awards recognise the achievements of those who have excelled in their fields in the design and construction industry.
Award winning projects
People Awards
Apprentice of the Year
Winner - Courtney Northrop
Commendation - Josh Preater
Young Professional of the Year
Winner - James Morton
Commendations - Rachel Earnshaw & Alissya Rudy
Project Awards
Best Conservation/Adaptation Under £3M
Winner – Cherry Hinton Library and Community Hub
Best Conservation/Adaptation Over £3M
Highly commended – King’s College Chapel Roof
Winner – Pembroke Mill Lane
Best New Building Under £3M
Winner – Mill Hide
Best New Building Over £3M
Highly commended – L2, Orchard Park
Winner – The Meadows Community Centre
Special Awards
Craftsmanship Award
Highly commended – Mill Hide
Highly commended – King’s College Chapel Roof
Winner – Pembroke Mill Lane
Contractor Award
Highly commended – Cocksedge for Pembroke Mill Lane
Winner - Barnes Construction for Spalding Hostel
The David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability
Highly commended – Pembroke Mill Lane
Winner – Kings College Chapel Roof
Dame Fiona Reynolds, chair of the judging panel said: "The calibre of entries this year was truly outstanding, demonstrating an ever-growing commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact. We were particularly impressed by projects that pushed boundaries—whether through bold adaptive reuse, innovative energy solutions, or exceptional craftsmanship. The winners exemplify excellence across the board, and it’s encouraging to see such a strong focus on liveability and resilience in design. Congratulations to all those recognised this evening."
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, said: "These awards celebrate the very best in architecture and urban design, recognising projects that not only enhance our built environment but also contribute meaningfully to our communities. It is inspiring to see how creativity, collaboration, and sustainability are being embedded in projects across the region. We are particularly pleased to see the breadth of entries from beyond the city, and we encourage even more participation in the future. Congratulations to all those involved in this year’s exceptional projects."
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure at Cambridge City Council, said: “We are pleased to celebrate and showcase the design and construction skills, craftsmanship and engineering which have contributed to the built environment we see around us every day. Along with the other judges, I would like to thank all the teams who submitted entries for the 2025 awards, and to congratulate the winners on the high quality of work that we have seen once again this year.”
