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 2026 at a ceremony on Wednesday 18 March.
The event was hosted by the CFCI at The Auditorium (former Emmanuel United Reform Church), Pembroke College, Cambridge, with thanks to event sponsor Pipe 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 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.
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.
Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, 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 2026 awards, and to congratulate the winners on the high quality of work that we have seen once again this year.”
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport at Cambridge City Council, said: “The quality of work showcased this year is exceptional. These awards demonstrate how talented and committed our local design and construction community is. With another year of strong submissions, GCSP and CFCI encourage teams from across the industry to continue pushing for innovation, environmental performance, and design excellence in future projects.”
