Winners Announced for the Constructing Excellence North East 2025 Awards

Sponsored by Northumbrian Water Group  

Winner – Hexham General Hospital Refurbishment Project 

To enhance the delivery of critical services, the project team behind this initiative demonstrated exceptional collaboration across the entire supply chain. Through early stakeholder engagement and comprehensive site walkarounds, potential risks were proactively identified and resolved—ensuring both patient safety and project timelines remained uncompromised. Regular team-building activities and coordination meetings further reinforced strong working relationships, with one team member describing the experience as fostering a true “sense of family.”

Their approach to procurement was both prompt and fair, helping to build lasting, trust-based partnerships with SMEs. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the team set a new standard for collaborative healthcare projects—delivering future-proofed spaces tailored to evolving needs.

Highly Commended – Metrocentre Community Diagnostics Centre 

Sponsored by K2 Construction Management  

Winner – beONE Partnership

This newly established partnership has laid the foundation for delivering exceptional value by breaking down traditional barriers within the sector.
From the outset, all key stakeholders aligned on a shared vision, focusing on generating local employment opportunities and apprenticeships.

To date, 84% of the workforce has been sourced locally, and nine apprenticeships have been created, strengthening community engagement and economic resilience.

In its first year, the partnership supported a local college in transforming two state-of-the-art workshops, enhancing the learning environment for students. The collaboration has already achieved impressive results, including a 98% customer satisfaction rate, delivered through a tailored training programme, and a social value investment exceeding £130,000

Sponsored by Remagin

Winner – Remaking Beamish 

This project represents the largest capital development programme in the organisation’s history—an ambitious undertaking that stands as a testament to exceptional collaboration and vision. The project’s success is rooted in the strong, integrated partnership between the client, architectural team, and contractors, who together navigated a unique set of challenges with resilience and innovation.

The team embraced challenges as opportunities to deliver a truly remarkable outcome. The result is a series of historically accurate museum exhibits representing the Georgian, Edwardian, and 1950s eras, achieved through a combination of adaptive reuse of existing historic structures, sensitive integration with adjacent listed heritage assets, and the construction of new elements. Each component demanded a distinct approach, incorporating varied construction techniques, traditional materials, and architectural styles, often using reclaimed or repurposed materials.

Highly Commended – Hopetown, Darlington 

Sponsored by Robertson Construction NE 

Winner – MGL Group

They are leading the way with regard to groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind innovation. They have set new standards in the construction industry by actively retaining carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a safer, more sustainable built environment.

The organisation stays at the forefront of industry developments by consistently engaging with emerging technologies and trends through conferences and exhibitions. In collaboration with local authorities and universities, they have expanded their expertise, adapting the product to enhance road safety, improve visibility, and increase tyre grip—particularly at accident hotspots.

This organisation is leading the way toward net zero by decarbonising road construction, promoting circular economy principles, and supporting local authorities in achieving their net zero targets by 2030.

Sponsored by GSSArchitecture 

Winner – MGL Group

They have fully embraced SmartCarbon’s climate change programme, leading to an impressive 36% reduction in emissions. Their proactive approach includes continuous monitoring, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing targeted strategies to minimise their environmental footprint. The adoption of electric vehicles and the use of sustainable fuels have further contributed to a 90% reduction in transportation-related emissions.

Their commitment to sustainability extends to material selection, guided by circular economy principles that prioritise resource efficiency and waste reduction. By incorporating locally recycled plastic and crumb-rubber waste into their asphalt designs, they have enhanced product performance while significantly improving environmental outcomes.

In a recent collaborative effort with a local authority and a partner organisation, the use of their net zero asphalt contributed to the removal of nearly 12,000 kg of carbon dioxide—an outstanding example of innovation driving measurable climate impact

Sponsored by Applebridge GeoEnvironmental

Winner – Space Architects

An organisation that exemplifies a truly holistic commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles, embedding them deeply across all aspects of their business.

They have achieved an impressive reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, underpinned by clear, strategic targets for further reductions. This progress is supported by robust reporting mechanisms and their ambitious ZeroThreeZero goals.

People are at the heart of their operations. Dedication to employee well-being and professional growth is reflected in their three-star Best Companies accreditation, participation in Investors in People, and the development of their internal well-being and engagement programme, Thrive. These efforts have contributed to the organisation achieving certified B Corporation status—an indication of their ethical, responsible, and sustainable business practices.

Sponsored by Centurion Fire Safety Solutions 

Winner – Aptus Construction 

They have experienced significant growth over the past three years, both in staff numbers and turnover, a testament to the strong, long-standing relationships they maintain with their clients. Their focus on customer satisfaction is clearly reflected in the fact that over 60% of their work comes from repeat business.

In 2024 alone, they welcomed seven new team members, including two graduates from a local university. Their commitment to developing talent is evident in their ongoing investment in professional development for all employees.

Beyond business growth, the organisation demonstrates a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. They regularly deliver educational talks, ensure all staff receive training on equality and diversity, and have established a dedicated Sustainability and Decarbonisation Group to enhance their environmental performance.

Special Recognition Award – A&N Safety Consultants 

Sponsored by DAC Beachcroft

Winner – 15 Bath Terrace

project stands out as a client-driven initiative, with the project team working in close collaboration with the client from the outset to deliver a truly remarkable outcome. The strength of this partnership was evident throughout; prompt payments, swift resolution of challenges, and regular team meetings all contributed to a culture of clear communication and inclusive working.

A particularly impressive element of the build was the timber frame construction. Due to the site’s complexity and restricted access, the frame had to be meticulously built onsite demonstrating both innovation and craftsmanship.

The completed home is certified to PassivHaus standards and features a wide range of sustainable technologies, including an air source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, and a green sedum roof.

The landscaping was designed with biodiversity in mind, creating a natural habitat that supports local wildlife and strengthens the home’s connection to the surrounding environment.

Winner  – Iain Garfield 

As Head of Estates and Facilities, this professional has helped shape not just the physical landscape of our universities, but also the strategic direction of estates management across the region.

He joined Newcastle University in 2016 as Head of Estate Planning and Development, following more than 20 years at Sunderland University. Through his vision and exceptional leadership, he became Director of Estates and Facilities in 2019. In this role, he has led a diverse portfolio of major capital projects, guiding the Capital Projects and Estate Planning teams with clarity, commitment, and ambition.

Among his many achievements are several standout examples of excellence:

• The Urban Sciences Building, which swept the board at our 2018 awards.
• The Frederick Douglass Centre, a 2020 highlight.
• The Catalyst, a BREEAM Outstanding building, which has earned multiple regional accolades and national recognition for sustainability.
• The Dame Margaret Barbour Building, awarded for Integration & Collaborative Working in 2021—regionally and Highly Commended nationally—an award category close to his heart.
• And tonight, we celebrate The Stephenson Redevelopment—and his recognition as Client of the Year.

But his influence extends well beyond the campus. As Chair of the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium, he has championed collaborative procurement practices that deliver value and efficiency across the sector.

Sponsored by Tilbury Douglas

Winner  – Beamish Football Centre

A facility no longer fit for purpose. The project team engaged from the earliest stages, working in close collaboration with the client to deliver a state-of-the-art facility. Throughout the development, a strong emphasis was placed on creating a positive impact within the local community.

Since its opening, the new facility has enabled the client to host a greater number of events and community initiatives. Notably, a partnership with a local training provider has led to the employment of 35 individuals, demonstrating the centre’s wider social value.

Designed with energy efficiency and sustainability at its core, the building incorporates a fabric-first approach, the reuse of existing materials, and renewable technologies to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Through the use of Building Information Modelling and sustainable construction practices, the project has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions and utility costs of over 60%.

Sponsored by AtkinsRealis

Winner – Newcastle University

They are a forward-thinking organisation who have  consistently push the boundaries through innovative and creative approaches to project delivery.

A strong advocate for fair and ethical practices, they ensure that all levels of the supply chain are paid promptly and equitably, helping to build and sustain collaborative relationships across the board.

Their commitment to community engagement is equally impressive. By involving local residents and neighbouring areas through regular updates and open forums, fostering positive relationships and minimised project disruption.

Sustainability is embedded at the core of their operations. With an ambition to achieve net zero carbon across all campus facilities. Furthermore, they have developed a new benchmarking system aligned with both RIBA and UN Sustainability Goals, setting a strong example for others in the sector.

Sponsored by CDM Recruitment

Winner – Riverside MSCP

A project places sustainability at its core, integrating a range of innovative features that reflect a deep commitment to environmental responsibility.

Key highlights include the installation of living walls with over 50,000 plants, contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity. The project also incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, dynamic lighting, passive ventilation, and sustainable urban drainage systems, all demonstrating a comprehensive and rigorous approach to carbon reduction.

In addition to its environmental credentials, the project features an intelligent smart parking system that streamlines payments, offers online pre-booking, and reduces congestion, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Highly Commended – Browney Curve Embankment Stabilisation Project 

Sponsored by CDM Recruitment

Winner – The Stephenson Redevelopment

A truly visionary development that brings together multiple disciplines to form an inclusive, collaborative, and future-ready learning hub.

From the outset, the team aligned goals, shared risks, and maintained clear communication, resulting in a strong and unified partnership that drove the project forward with purpose.

Sustainability was a cornerstone of the design. The project not only reduced carbon emissions within its own footprint, but also across six adjacent buildings, guided by a bespoke benchmarking assessment and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The team further demonstrated its commitment to social value by supporting the PlanBEE apprenticeship programme, creating 17 new jobs, engaging with local schools and colleges, and mentoring architecture students.

Highly Commended – The Story at Mount Oswald 

Highly Commended – Northumbria Health & Care Academy & Drive-Thru Starbucks