15th Nov 2019

Success at LABC Building Excellence Awards

Our project at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire was awarded the title of 'Best Large Commercial Project' at the Grand Final of the LABC Building Excellence Awards.

The project for the new SKA Global Headquarters at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, designed by Hassell and built by Sir Robert McAlpine, was awarded the title of Best Large Commercial Project at the Grand Final of the LABC Building Excellence Awards – one of the most recognised events on the building industry’s calendar.

A panel of industry experts judged a list of the highest quality projects from around England and Wales to reward the best in technical innovation, sustainability, safety and design.

Working with the local authority building control team from Civicance at Cheshire East Council the designers, contractor and their client have created a stunning new global headquarters of the SKA Organisation. This is an intergovernmental organisation set up to build and operate the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio telescope. The Jodrell Bank scheme had UK Government backing through the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the University of Manchester and Cheshire East Council.

The panel of expert judges said:

“The building is a superb example of high-quality commercial design resulting in extremely good performance characteristics exceeding building regulations with a detail quality matching any in the commercial sector. While its primary function is highly technical the building manages to provide an attractive and human working environment.”

The Grand Final of the LABC Building Excellence Awards took place on Friday 8th November 2019 at the Westminster Park Plaza in London and was hosted by multi award winning comedian Milton Jones. Over 800 building industry professionals including contractors, architects and engineers attended the celebration to find out which projects won across the 15 hotly contested categories.

These awards showcase buildings and design teams that tussle with complex technical or construction issues and building site constraints. They highlight innovative and creative solutions and building control professionalism that leads to safe, sustainable and high quality construction projects.

Latest awards

  1. Heroes of the highways honoured

    08 Dec 2025

    Members of our M6 and A19 teams were recognised for their acts of bravery and selflessness at the recent Highways Heroes Awards

    Read more about
  2. Abigail's a rising star

    26 Nov 2025

    Our Apprentice Quantity Surveyor was among those recognised at the Considerate Constructors Scheme Gala Awards

    Read more about
  3. Inspirational Andy handed STEM award

    24 Nov 2025

    Andy Walker has played a central role in delivering our A19 team's ‘Building Bridges, Constructing Futures' activity to students in the local area

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. Workforce wellbeing at Therme Manchester

    17 Dec 2025

    Therme Manchester introduces healthy, sustainable meals for its construction team, setting a new wellbeing standard in the industry.

    Read more about
  2. Friarage Surgical Centre sets new benchmark for excellence

    15 Dec 2025

    Our IHP healthcare team achieved an impressive 127 out of a possible 130 score following the project end review.

    Read more about
  3. Heroes of the highways honoured

    08 Dec 2025

    Members of our M6 and A19 teams were recognised for their acts of bravery and selflessness at the recent Highways Heroes Awards

    Read more about
View all news