The 2025 Cheshire West Design Awards

The ceremony at Chester Town Hall saw many of the region’s architectural design and property professionals gather to celebrate Cheshire West’s best places and building projects completed over the last four years in 5 categories – commercial, community, public realm, residential and sustainable design and construction. Including those receiving awards, there were over 140 people at the ceremony.

Chair of judges, Peter Hadfield said; “By rewarding the best architectural projects, this Award Scheme stimulates interest in our built environment and develops a deeper and broader appreciation of both traditional craft skills and high quality contemporary construction.”

He added; “The aim of these awards is to make Cheshire West and Chester a better place to live, work and visit by encouraging outstanding design and projects and gaining national recognition for this.”

The Commercial category awards were presented by Legat Owen’s Director Will Sadler to The Square at Chester Zoo, The Northgate Development and for refurbishment of The Old Post Office in St John St, Chester. Commendations were given for Okells Hoole, The Station Tap in Chester and The  White Horse in Churton. A highly commended went to 15-23 Frodsham Street, Chester.

The Community Category was presented by P4 Planning’s Founder and MD, Bill Davidson. Awards were given for Community New Build and Refurbishment to Theatre Porto in Ellesmere Port and to Chester Cathedral for the West End Reordering including the new doorway. Commendations went to Hoole Tennis Club’s Club House, The Portal in Ellesmere Port and Five Villages Hall at Backford.

Christine Russell, Chair of Chester Civic Trust presented The Award for Public Realm Regeneration to Chester Town Hall Square and for Conservation & Restoration for the work on Chester Rows. Commendations were awarded to The Narrows Community Park, the Thomas Brassey Statue outside Chester Station, the Wirral Way and Blacon’s Parade Pedestrianised Area.

The awards for residential development were presented by Rob Charnley, CDWA Committee member & Head of Planning and Place Making at Cheshire West & Chester Council. The Award for Residential Renovation and Conservation was given to Grosvenor Hart Homes for its work on the Alms Houses in Chester, and the award for Residential New Build went to The Knoll in Mouldsworth. Commendations went to Pure Homes for Beaufort Court, Carden Homes for Old Hall Country Estate, The Boathouse in Farndon and The Flaggs and Hamilton House in Tarvin.

Awards for Sustainability were presented by VELUX UK. Richard Williams, Senior Architect Development Manager commended Eco House at the Cheshire College South and West’s Ellesmere College campus, Chester Cathedral’s Solar Panels and the University of Chester’s School of Education conversion. The award went to Chester Zoo for their work on the Nature Recovery Corridor and Tree Planting there. The Nature Recovery Corridor covers 60 Hectares between Chester and Ellesmere Port. Native UK wildlife resources have been created, new ponds, orchards, wildflower meadows and community nature areas include interpretation signs and bespoke art together with 4 new walking routes.

Samantha Dixon MP for Chester North and Neston said in her closing speech; “The role of skilled designers, architects, and built-environment professionals is vital. We are incredibly fortunate to have such talent here in our region, collaborating and working together. Tonight’s award winners embody the very best of this dedication. They show that design in Cheshire West and Chester can be inspiring, practical, sustainable—and rooted in the distinct character of our communities. We are all winners when great design is evident, as it is here tonight.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council added: “Many congratulations to all of the excellent projects that have been both awarded and commended, and all of these projects have been completed within the past four years. With so many new projects underway across the borough I’m sure the judges will be spoilt for choice at the 2030 awards.”

The next awards will be made in 2030.