Seven Max Fordham projects named as finalists for the 2026 Civic Trust and AABC Conservation Awards

3 Dec 2025

People in a gothic hall looking at the stained glass windows

Cockpit Arts in Deptford, the Lee Valley Ice Centre, the BEAM Theatre, the Urban Nature Project, Pembroke Mill Lane and the North London Collegiate School Ideas Hub and Main Entrance Building have all been named regional finalists at this year's Civic Trust Awards. The highly respected Civic Trust Awards highlight buildings that are considered outstanding in the built environment.

Rochdale Town Hall has also been named as a regional finalist for the AABC Conservation Award, which highlights buildings that have undergone outstanding conservation.

Projects will be considered for the Civic Trust National, International and Highly Commended Awards, which will be decided in January.

The finalists

Cockpit Arts - Greater London regional finalist

This creative project, focused on social enterprise, transformed a 1960s former council office building for the benefit of its makers and the local community.

Read more about Cockpit Arts

Lee Valley Ice Centre - Greater London regional finalist

This all-electric sports centre comprises dual Olympic-sized ice rinks, including a performance pad with a spectator capacity of up to 800, a modern gym, a multi-purpose studio, a café, and venue operation offices, doubling capacity to 557,000 visits per year.

Read more about Lee Valley Ice Centre

BEAM, Hertford Theatre - Greater London regional finalist

A transformation and extension of the Hertford Theatre into a fossil fuel-free multi-purpose arts and culture venue for live performances and film.

Read more about BEAM, Hertford Theatre

Urban Nature Project - Greater London regional finalist

The transformation of the Natural History Museum’s five-acre gardens into a welcoming, accessible, and biologically diverse green space in the heart of London.

Read more about Natural History Museum, Urban Nature Project

Pembroke Mill Lane - Eastern regional finalist

The Pembroke Mill Lane South project represents a major expansion and transformation of Pembroke College, situated at the heart of Cambridge City Centre.

Rochdale Town Hall - North West regional finalist

The stunning, heritage-led restoration of the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall - a project that imbues pride and ownership in the local community.

Read more about Rochdale Town Hall

North London Collegiate School - Greater London regional finalist

The creation of the IDEAS Hub, an educational building that supports a curriculum of innovation in STEAM, and a new, welcoming main entrance artfully integrated with existing retrofitted buildings, moves the school closer to its goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Read more about North London Collegiate School