Rochdale Town Hall, the Palace of Westminster Encaustic tiles, Space House and Walworth Town Hall have been named winners of the 2026 Civic Trust Awards.
Four DIA projects: Rochdale Town Hall, the Palace of Westminster Encaustic tiles, Space House, and Walworth Town Hall, have been recognised with five awards at this year’s Civic Trust Awards with Rochdale Town Hall cinching the Michael Middleton Special Award.
The Civic Trust Awards recognise the very best in the built environment, honouring those who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and have helped create a better sense of place and identity for our communities.
The revitalisation of Rochdale Town Hall has won two awards: the Michael Middleton Special Award, presented to an outstanding restoration project, and the AABC Conservation Award. The Grade I-listed Victorian masterpiece has undergone four years of work to restore and reopen it to the community. Historic fabric has been secured and sensitive contemporary upgrades have improved circulation and provided universal access.
The judges described the project as:
“A fitting tribute to Michael Middleton CBE, honouring his belief that the careful stewardship of historic buildings can enrich civic life and sustain cultural legacy. This exemplary project demonstrates how conservation excellence, allied to sensitive adaptation, can secure the future of complex historic civic buildings.”
Film below by Dion Barrett.
The Encaustic Tiles Restoration at the Palace of Westminster was highly commended in the AABC Conservation category. The project secured 1500m2 of invaluable Encaustic tile flooring, designed by AWN Pugin.
The judges said:
“This scheme is a powerful example of how focused, research-led conservation can protect fragile historic fabric while supporting the continued life of one of the nation’s most important buildings.”
Grade II-listed Space House was highly commended in the Civic Trust Awards. Led by Squire & Partners, the scheme has transformed the brutalist landmark into a future-ready workplace while preserving 90% of the original structure. We worked closely alongside the design team, providing strategic heritage and townscape advice.
The judges said:
“The external and internal restoration has resulted in a bright and contemporary feel to extend the life of this important landmark.”
Led by Feix&Merlin Architects, the sensitive restoration of Walworth Town Hall has been awarded a Civic Trust Award. The Grade II-listed landmark has been secured following fire damage in 2013, we were proud to support the scheme as heritage consultants.
The judges said:
"Through careful conservation, inclusive design and a strong social focus, the project ensures that the Town Hall continues to serve as a place of gathering, exchange and civic pride, offering a model for how heritage can contribute positively to resilient and inclusive communities."