The winners of the RICS Awards 2026 in the North East have been announced, with some of the region’s most impressive recent building projects recognised.
The projects went head-to-head at a ceremony in Newcastle where Sunderland’s Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) was named project of the year, whilst also winning in the refurbishment/revitalisation project, and public sector project categories.
Conceived to transform the way we think about, design, and construct buildings using modern methods, HICSA leads the way in positioning Sunderland at the forefront of the region’s construction industry.
Based in the Sheepfolds area of Sunderland, the Academy is part retrofit of an existing 130-year-old railway engine shed and part new build, featuring a glulam structure with a high insulation and airtight fabric.
It hosts classrooms and large-scale workshops to promote collaboration and synergy of knowledge amongst its pupils.
HICSA is one of 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTEC) in England named by the Department of Education.
Commenting on the winning project the judges said:
“The Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) in Sunderland is a high-performance, net-zero “learning factory” combining a Heritage retrofit of a 1896 goods shed, modern low-carbon extension (MMC-led design), education and industry integration (CTEC status). It stands out as a hybrid project: part regeneration, part infrastructure, part education asset – positioned as a national exemplar for skills and net zero delivery.
“An outstanding, nationally significant project with exceptional measurable outcomes, innovation in both design and education model, and best-in-class sustainability performance. Strong leadership and clear third-party endorsements reinforce its credibility and impact.”
The RICS UK Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies. The winning projects at each of the regional awards ceremonies will go on to represent their region at the UK Grand Final on Thursday 22nd October.
The full list of winning projects in the North East are:
- HICSA – Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy – Project of the year, Refurbishment/Revitalisation project and public sector project
- Blyth Market Pavilion – Community Benefit project
- Cosin’s Almshouses and Pemberton Building – Heritage project
- Prospect Place, Gateshead – Residential Development
There were also two highly commended awards; Middlesborough Central Library in the community benefit project category and Digital Life, Teesside University in the Public Sector Project.
The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle in Stephenson Quarter, Newcastle on Thursday 2nd July.
Commenting on the awards, UK National Awards Chair, Kerry Gibbs MRICS, said:
“These Awards shine a spotlight on the most inspiring people, projects and innovations shaping the built and natural environment. creating a powerful platform that elevates the profile of chartered surveying and celebrates its impact on communities nationwide.
“This year we received over 300 entries across all twelve of the RICS regions.
“The Awards are hugely important. They help demonstrate the positive impact that surveyors, as well as buildings, have on individuals and communities. They promote the role of surveying in making those projects a reality.”
For further information on the RICS UK Awards please visit the RICS website.
