Submissions were welcomed from the whole of Greater Cambridge, including both the City 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.
We are pleased to celebrate and showcase the design and construction skills, craftsmanship and engineering which have continued through this period and contributed to the built environment of our region.
The judges visited shortlisted projects in early February to examine the buildings and experience the spaces first-hand.
The judges would like to thank all the teams who submitted entries for the 2023 awards. The judging criteria for the awards 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 three ‘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.
The winners of the three People Awards are:
- Apprentice of the year: Connor Howell, 3C Shared Services Building Control
- Young professional of the year: Lauren New, Cambridge Investment Partnership
- Site Manager of the year: Julian Redpath, Cocksedge
The eight project award categories for 2023 are:
- Best new neighbourhood
- Best new building (under £2m construction costs)
- Best new building (over £2m construction costs)
- Best conservation, alteration, or extension of an existing building (under £2m construction costs)
- Best conservation, alteration, or extension of an existing building (over £2m construction costs)
- David Mackay Award for engineering and sustainability
- Craftsmanship Award
- Contractor Award
The judging panel was chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds, former master of Emmanuel College Cambridge and former director-general of the National Trust. The submission process and judging process were jointly facilitated by the GCSPS and CFCI volunteer trustees.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, Chair of Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards judges, said: “We were delighted to see the range and quality of the entries, including a growing number from outside the City. Each year, there is a greater focus on the environment and accessibility alongside inspiring architecture and design, all of which we warmly welcome.”
Stephen Kelly, Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development for Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, said: “Once again the awards demonstrate the wealth of architectural and construction talent in Greater Cambridge. The effort that our construction companies put into balancing environmental concerns with aesthetics is truly inspirational, and the finalists are a credit to the industry.”
Cllr Dr Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet member for Planning for South Cambs District Council, said: “These extraordinary awards celebrate the talent in construction, craft skills, design and placemaking in Greater Cambridge. Events like this celebrate good design and raise the bar for new buildings.”
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Infrastructure for Cambridge City Council, said: “The awards showcase the best that Greater Cambridge has to offer, in terms of both people and buildings. Each year, we continue to see innovation and excellence. Our officers work hard in partnership with owners, architects, and local communities to ensure good design is appropriate to its local context.”
Alison Wring, chair of the CFCI, said: “CFCI’s involvement in these awards recognises our region’s finest organisations and individuals in the construction industry, who all share a united passion for exemplar quality developments alongside long-lasting sustainable legacies. All finalists and winners deserve to be proud of their achievements and their impact, not only to the benefit of Cambridgeshire, but best practice within the industry as a whole.”
