15 Oct 2026
A gala ceremony at the Abbey Theatre honoured the winners of the 2026 St Albans Civic Society Awards – which celebrated imaginative development and design initiatives which have been completed within the city in the previous two years.
The awards cover anything that enhances the quality of our city’s amenities, environment or public realm – whether domestic or commercial, be it a striking new build or a skilled restoration project – and are judged by a select panel of experts. This year’s event also saw the society partnering with the St Albans Times to introduce the first-ever People’s Choice Award, chosen by our readers through a public vote.
The full list of winners are:
Social Housing: The Hedges, Woollam Crescent
This SADC social housing project is an excellent example of thoughtfully designed new social housing that brings 12 attractive, sustainable homes to Woollam Crescent. High-quality brickwork, neat roof detailing and a consistent standard of finish has resulted in a development that combines good craftsmanship, practical living space and environmental responsibility.
The Hedges demonstrates that social housing can make a positive architectural contribution to its neighbourhood while creating welcoming homes for the people who live there.
Commercial Refurbishment/ Hospitality – Ibēros , George Street
Ibēros is an exceptionally accomplished transformation of a listed building on George Street and brings fresh energy to a cherished part of the city, creating a stylish and welcoming restaurant while celebrating the character of its historic setting. A modest rear extension and rooflight bring light into the heart of the building, while carefully chosen recycled materials create an interior rich in texture and individuality. Ibēros combines craftsmanship, creative reuse and contemporary hospitality design to remarkable effect. It is a confident and sensitive refurbishment that enhances both the building itself and the experience of George Street.
Commended: Moka on Holywell Hill.
Commercial Refurbishment/ Residential – Jubilee Square, Victoria Street
Jubilee Square is a major addition to the centre of St Albans area, and the judges recognised the scale and complexity of creating a coherent mixed-use development on this important site.
The scheme represents a significant investment in the future of St Albans and is an important step in renewing this central location, bringing a range of activities together and establishing the framework for a lively, connected neighbourhood, and enriching city centre life. The design is ambitious and distinctive, providing a lighter aesthetic compared to the existing buildings on Victoria Street.
Commended: Old Electricity Works, Campfield Road, Flats 1-5, 42 Verulam Road.
Commercial Refurbishment/ Offices – Queen’s House, Victoria Street
Queen’s House is an outstanding example of imaginative commercial refurbishment, giving a former hat-making factory a vibrant new life as a contemporary workplace. The project celebrates the building’s industrial heritage, allowing its original character and materials to become defining features of the finished scheme. Queen’s House shows how the best of a building’s past can provide the foundation for its future, combining excellent conservation-minded design with forward-looking commercial use. It successfully strengthens the part the building plays in the townscape and gives presence to what has been a dull section of this street, bringing this prominent corner plot back to life and rejuvenating the immediate area.
Commended: Verulam Point, Station Way
Domestic New Build – Haven Place
Haven Place is an inspiring development of three contemporary family homes that places sustainability at the heart of good residential design, ably demonstrating how highly energy-efficient housing can be achieved on a modest scale. The homes combine generous, light-filled and flexible living spaces with attractive gardens and a sensitive relationship to their greener surroundings. Their contemporary design is matched by a rigorous approach to construction, using off-site timber framing, high levels of insulation and airtightness informed by Passive House principles.
Haven Place is both an appealing place to live and a persuasive demonstration of what thoughtful, technically accomplished housebuilding can achieve. The appearance of the houses is strikingly different from that found in most modern small schemes and the quality of workmanship both inside and out is striking. Overall, this is an excellent demonstration of how a Passive House can be built on a budget that isn’t eye-watering.
Commended: No.1 Mount Pleasant
Domestic Restoration – Bankhart House, Fishpool Street
Bankhart House, on historic Fishpool Street, is a superb example of the sensitive restoration of a listed building. The project combines exceptional craftsmanship with a deep respect for the building’s age, individuality and architectural character, while making it a comfortable and practical home for today. Original windows have been painstakingly repaired, and the decorative render and pargetting on the frontage have been reinstated with reference to historic evidence, providing a stunning addition to the streetscape. Bankhart House is a richly detailed and accomplished restoration that preserves the spirit of a remarkable historic home and secures its continued use for generations to come and overall an excellent example of the refurbishment of a listed building, a project of quality and sensitivity.
People’s Choice, in association with the St Albans Times – Moka
Moka has brought a new and welcoming use to the former Seed Hall, a Grade II listed building closely associated with Samuel Ryder and an important part of St Albans’ commercial history. Its impressive open interior and distinctive domed glazed roof provide a memorable setting for contemporary hospitality. The refurbishment is especially successful in the way it works with the scale and character of this historic space. Throughout, the contemporary design sits comfortably alongside the original architecture. Moka demonstrates the value of finding an imaginative new purpose for a treasured building, allowing more people to enjoy its historic character and giving the former Seed Hall a lively future.
St Albans Civic Society Trevelyan Award – Haven Place
Public Realm projects – acknowledgement awards
Civic Centre Rose Garden Regeneration (£100 award)
St Albans and district heritage Blue Plaque stickers (£100 award)
The awards were presented by St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher, who said: “St Albans is a city we inherit, a city we inhabit, and a city we shape for those who follow.
“For 65 years, St Albans Civic Society has helped us honour that responsibility. Founded by residents who cared deeply about this place, it has become a cherished jewel in our city’s story – an integral part of protecting our heritage, understanding our history and shaping our future.
“Its strength comes from people who care enough to act: volunteers who scrutinise plans, share expertise, challenge proposals and champion better possibilities. Much of that patient work happens quietly, but its impact surrounds us.
“Tonight’s awards celebrate architects, designers, craftspeople, developers and clients who bring that care to life. It might be the skilled restoration of a historic building, the imaginative reuse of an existing one, or a contemporary building that contributes something beautiful and lasting.
“Good design connects generations. It honours what came before while making room for those who come next. The first People’s Choice Award, in partnership with the St Albans Times, rightly invites residents into that conversation. Their everyday experience matters.
“Congratulations to everyone recognised tonight, and heartfelt thanks to the Society and its volunteers. You help ensure that the St Albans we cherish today becomes the St Albans others will cherish tomorrow.”
