Wednesday 7 October 2026 – The power of outstanding office developments to revitalise town centres, generate social value and act as catalysts for wider regeneration has been highlighted at this year’s British Council for Offices National Awards dinner.
Celebrating the very best in office design, development and operation, the annual BCO Awards were presented in front of an audience of around 1,000 senior figures from across the office sector at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel on London’s Park Lane on 6 October.
The winners showcase what it takes to create a successful office in today’s environment and how those leading the way are revitalising cities, cutting carbon and setting new benchmarks for customer experience.
This was exemplified by Best of the Best Award winner 71/72 Kingsway in Swansea, which the judges praised for being a catalyst for the regeneration of the city centre. The judges said the project, which included a new public square, demonstrated how intelligent, people-centred architecture can stimulate investment, attract high-value employment and become a genuine beacon for the future of Swansea.
This theme continued with the presentation of the inaugural Judges’ Choice Award to Pixel, a new hub for creatives and start-ups in Penzance, Cornwall. Introduced to enable the national judging panel to recognise a project that they believe deserves special recognition beyond the established categories, Pixel received the award for demonstrating how corporate investment in close partnership with the local council can revive communities, champion sustainability and nurture business ecosystems.
The evening culminated in the presentation of the President’s Award to Professor Janice Kirkpatrick OBE, co-founder of international design studio Graven, in recognition of her work championing design-led growth. Over four decades, Kirkpatrick has been a driving force behind countless placemaking and design-led economic regeneration initiatives and a key adviser to local and national policymakers, deepening their understanding that great creative design is economic infrastructure.
BCO president Andy McBain said: “The BCO President’s Award should recognise not only what someone has made, but what they have made possible for others. Across four decades, Janice has made possible better workplaces, stronger businesses, renewed places, economic placemaking, new careers and a more ambitious understanding of the value of creative design. As the importance of the creative economy grows, her wisdom has never been more needed.”
The winners of this year’s BCO National Awards are:
- Best of the Best: 71/72 Kingsway, Swansea
- Corporate Workplace: Deutsche Bank, 21 Moorfields, London
- Commercial Workplace: 71/72 Kingsway, Swansea
- Fit Out of Workplace: Christopher Ward HQ, Maidenhead
- Projects up to 2,500m²: 13th floor at Chancery Place, Manchester
- Refurbished/Recycled Workplace: Civic Millgate, Wigan
- Innovation: The Renold Building, Manchester
- ESG: TBC.London
- Customer Experience, Commercial Landlord: 40 Leadenhall
- Customer Experience, Corporate Occupier: GSK HQ, London
- Judges’ Choice Award: Pixel, Penzance
- President’s Award: Professor Janice Kirkpatrick OBE
BCO national judging chair Nicola Gillen said: “This year’s winners demonstrate the growing role of the workplace as a driver of regeneration and social value. Whether supporting local businesses, revitalising town centres, attracting investment or creating opportunities for communities, these projects show that office buildings can have a transformative impact far beyond their physical boundaries. They set a compelling benchmark for how our sector can contribute to economic growth while continuing to lead on sustainability, innovation and customer experience.”
BCO chief executive Samantha McClary added: “The places in which we work have never been more important. They not only provide places for us to innovate and create, but more and more are providing spaces and places that help us feel better, deliver more for people and planet and are a vital part of a community. The BCO Awards and all of this year’s finalists – and especially our winners – are the exemplars in delivering these amazing spaces. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to celebrate them.”
This year’s Gold partners are 8build, AET Flexible Space, Redworx MEP, Saint-Gobain UK, and Troup Bywaters + Anders. The Silver partners are Morgan Lovell, Overbury and Quantem. Estates Gazette is media partner for the awards.
THE WINNERS
Best of the Best and Commercial Workplace Award: 71/72 Kingsway, Swansea
What is it? A standout workplace which successfully combines outstanding design and sustainability while acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of Swansea city centre.
The judges said: “What particularly stood out was the building’s deceptively simple yet clever design. The seamless transition between the welcoming public spaces and secure private tenant areas creates a building that feels both open and inclusive while maintaining excellent functionality for its occupiers. Above all, 71/72 Kingsway demonstrates how intelligent, people-centred architecture can stimulate investment, attract high-value employment and become a genuine beacon for the future of Swansea.”
Corporate Workplace Award: Deutsche Bank, 21 Moorfields, London
What is it? A new global flagship for Deutsche Bank representing the latest in workplace thinking and delivering an enhanced experience for traders, customers and employees.
The judges said: “The integration of architecture, engineering and interior design was key for such a large and complex project above a major national rail interchange. Employee wellbeing and flexibility underpinned the design with a variety of health and wellness spaces, terraces and other outdoor spaces, and staff satisfaction has improved by 10% since completion. The development also enhances the public realm, introducing new public squares and strengthening connections between Moorgate and the Barbican.”
Fit Out of Workplace Award: Christopher Ward HQ, Maidenhead
What is it? A 10,079 sq ft fit out for the luxury watchmaker integrating administration, design studios, logistics, repair facilities and customer showrooms under one roof.
The judges said: “The fit-out excels in meeting Christopher Ward’s needs by consolidating operations, enhancing brand alignment, offering a hybrid working environment and providing high-quality customer engagement – the ‘pickable walls’ in the showrooms are particularly original, allowing customers to interact directly with the watches. This holistic approach, driven by process efficiency, has been a key enabler in doubling revenue for the business and increasing shipping from 500 to 800 watches a day since moving in.”
Refurbished/Recycled Workplace Award: Civic Millgate, Wigan
What is it? An excellent example of how to breathe new life into a neglected 1960s Brutalist civic centre building and create a new workplace hub for the community.
The judges said: “The design and construction team carefully preserved the building’s original character, celebrating the features such as the waffle ceilings and the terrazzo staircases, while enhancing performance to deliver impressively low embodied carbon and operational energy performance. With the ground floor knitted into the civic square through a new public café, landscaping and terraces, the council-run building successfully fills a major void in the town centre and creates a catalyst for economic renewal.”
Projects up to 2,500m² Award: Chancery Place, Manchester
What is it? A project that shows how a small floorplate can be transformed into a multi-functional space with wellness of staff and client experience at the heart of its design.
The judges said: “The use of clever detailing in Overbury’s new Northern HQ produces an office that is both calming and dynamic. Curves and lighting are used to draw you seamlessly through the space, which is maximised through carefully considered modular furniture and movable partitions that provide distinct but connected zones. Ultimately, the project’s success is validated by its value for money and its 88% post-occupancy satisfaction rate. Chancery Place acts as a compelling showroom, demonstrating the professionalism, quality and standards of its occupiers.”
ESG Award: TBC.London
What is it? A model of contextually sensitive design, working within the constraints of the Tower Bridge Conservation Area, that sets a new benchmark for material reuse.
The judges said: “TBC.London is a pioneering example of ‘urban mining’ that has informed best practice guidance for the reuse of reclaimed steel. As well as retaining and adapting more than 70% of the existing structure, it uses 40 tonnes of salvaged 1930s steel beams. The project team actively sourced best practice and emerging sustainable materials internationally and implemented some products for the first time in the UK. The building also has the most impressive roof terrace encountered on this year’s judging tours.”
Innovation Award: The Renold Building, Manchester
What is it? A reinvention of a 1960s University of Manchester landmark as a multi-tenant innovation hub that is a living example of circular economy.
The judges said: “The transformation of this listed Brutalist icon was uncompromising in its commitment to sustainability, mandating that all tenants must work in the sustainability industry. A 71% reduction in embodied carbon was achieved by opting for refurbishment over demolition, further bolstered by the creative reuse of salvaged furniture and 100% recycled materials. The building also serves as a vital community interface, with £1.84m in verified social value and a design that prioritises neurodivergent-friendly, flexible zones. This is a resilient, inclusive and culturally rich exemplar of sustainable urban renewal.”
Customer Experience, Commercial Landlord Award: 40 Leadenhall, London
What is it? One of the City of London’s largest office developments, this 900,000 sq ft vertical neighbourhood has become a welcoming community.
The judges said: “40 Leadenhall sets a global benchmark for customer experience, seamlessly uniting hospitality, wellbeing, technology and operational excellence through a genuine one-team culture. Its data-led approach transforms occupier feedback into continuous, meaningful improvements, while exceptional amenities and community initiatives create memorable experiences and a strong sense of belonging. Service partners are fully embraced as part of the customer community, reinforcing a shared commitment to excellence. Through inclusive design, thoughtful leadership and genuine care, 40 Leadenhall has created an inspiring workplace where people feel connected and valued.”
Customer Experience, Corporate Occupier Award: GSK HQ, London
What is it? Bringing some 3,000 colleagues into central London, this wellbeing-focused headquarters was informed by extensive workplace research and data from more than 800 staff.
The judges said: “GSK has created an authentic, values-led London headquarters that brings its bold mission – to create the world’s healthiest workplace – to life. Wellbeing is embedded throughout the employee experience, supported by a clear strategy, detailed journey mapping and a robust change programme. From healthy food and movement to neuro-inclusive design, personalised support and outstanding concierge services, every element considers the whole person. Passionate teams and purposeful, well-used spaces enable people to connect, collaborate and thrive. Informed by workplace science and designed as a model for global adoption, GSK HQ is an inspiring occupier-led workplace.”
Judges’ Choice Award: Pixel, Penzance
What is it? A council-commissioned, purpose-built creative hub and shared workspace for start-ups and small creative businesses designed to revitalise the town centre.
The judges said: “Pixel delivers a transformative, design-led response to high street decline, creating a landmark creative hub that blends innovation with heritage. Its flexible, future-proofed studio leasing model actively supports Penzance’s creative sector, driving economic regeneration and community engagement while showcasing robust sustainability credentials. This project shows how corporate investment in close partnership with the local council can revive communities, champion sustainability and nurture business ecosystems.”
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
