Following a rigorous first stage assessment process, the 2026 Regional Finalists for the Civic Trust Awards, AABC Conservation Awards and Selwyn Goldsmith Universal Design Awards have been revealed – and the Gardeners’ House has been revealed as one of the shortlisted projects.
There are 77 regional finalists – only three of which are in the South West, and all of which are Cornish. The three South West finalists are The Gardeners’ House, The Buttermarket in Redruth and The Story of Emily, near Liskeard.
The aim of the Civic Trust Awards is to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design, to improve the built environment for us all through design, sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility, and also to reward projects that offer a positive cultural, social, economic or environmental benefit to their local communities.
Regional Finalists are schemes which are of significant merit in their region, contributing to the quality and appearance of the built environment, whilst being sustainable, accessible, and providing a positive civic contribution.
Miki Ashton, Director of the Gardeners’ House, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition for the Gardeners’ House. To bring this building back to life was a real labour of love for us – and for many of the people who helped us along the way – and this award nomination is a testimony to that hard work and the long journey that brought us here.”
She added: ““Our work is all about celebrating the stories and the landscape of our very special part of Cornwall. We want to continue to hear and discover the stories our community can share with us and to share our beautiful building, and its little green space, with everyone. The fact that the awards recognise the part our work plays in the community is really important to us.”
Our project will now be considered by the Civic Trust Awards National Judging Panel and we will discover in January if we have won a National Civic Trust Award or a National Civic Trust Highly Commended place.
As the longest standing built environment awards scheme in Europe, since 1959, more than 7,000 projects have been rewarded in the UK and internationally. For over 60 years, the scheme continues in its objective to recognise projects that have made a positive contribution to the local communities they serve.
The Civic Trust Awards is one of the only remaining independent built environment awards schemes, not linked to any organisation, institution or publication and operates on a not-for-profit basis. The awards also provide an opportunity for the general public to participate in nominating and judging schemes from their local area.
