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Welcome to EastProp Awards

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

HOMERTON COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE

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EastProp Awards

Now in our fifth year, we will gather on Wednesday 24 June to celebrate the East of England Property Awards once again in the New Dining Hall at Homerton College in Cambridge.

The evening seeks to showcase the best of the East of England’s property industry presenting an opportunity to attend a unique black-tie event in Cambridge with leaders from across the property sector in a venue that can compete with any London ‘style’ awards evening. After all, who needs to go to London when you can attend a quality event close to home?

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Sara Cox MBE

Sara Cox MBE is an English rugby union referee and former player. In 2016, she became the world’s first professional female rugby union referee. Two years later, in 2018, she further broke new ground by becoming the first woman to officiate a Premiership Rugby Cup match.  In 2021, Cox made history once again, taking charge of the Premiership fixture between Harlequins and Worcester Warriors at the Stoop—making her the first woman to referee a Premiership Rugby Union match.

Partners

If you’d like to become one in 2026 please contact us 0203 478 7340 or  events@ukpropertyforums.com

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

AWARD SPONSORS

CHARITY PARTNER

HOTEL PARTNER

POWERED BY

2026 EastProp Award Judges include:

Matthew Battle

Matthew Battle

UK Property Forums

Emma Drake

Emma Drake

Henbe Communications

Rebecca Mothersole

Rebecca Mothersole

Bidwells

Jonah Balmford

Jonah Balmford

TSA Riley

Mark Du Jardin

Mark Du Jardin

Horta Properties

Emma Proctor King

Emma Proctor King

Churchmanor Estates

Colin Brown

Colin Brown

LandAid / Carter Jonas

Rob Harris

Rob Harris

Ramidus Consulting

Jack Smith

Jack Smith

KMC

Paul Darlow

Paul Darlow

Consultant

Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin

YMCA Trinity Group

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Handelsbanken

2026 AWARD DETAILS – What, where and when?

Photos of the New Dining Hall (designed by Feilden Fowles Architects) and The Griffin Bar in Homerton College, Cambridge 

VENUE LOCATION

New Dining Hall, Homerton College, Cambridge CB2 8PH
Car parking is available on site or Cambridge Railway Station is just a short walk away.

KEY DATES

  • Wednesday, 4th February 2026 – Award nominations opens
  • Friday, 27th March 2026 – Award nominations closes
  • Tuesday, 5th May 2026 – Shortlist announced in The Forum – Eastern Echo
  • Wednesday, 24th June 2026 – The EastProp Awards at Homerton College

AWARDS DETAILS

The EastProp Awards is targeted at projects, people, and places that are located across the East of England and will be judged by a panel with extensive experience and knowledge. For the sake of clarity, this covers a range of property sectors (office, industrial, retail, life science and residential) located in the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

In the design and implementation of the awards, we will strive to reduce the carbon footprint of this event. For example, the decision on the location of the venue is near public transport stations, the use of digital ticketing in all aspects of event management, the limited use of paper where possible, the provenance of the food served, and the design of the awards, which will be made of recycled or sustainable materials. As the event approaches, we will incorporate initiatives into the event.

ENTRY FORM

Celebrating success is an important part of business life and the giving of awards is a simple but effective way of saying – well done! 

Judges will aim to cut the list to a maximum of four companies for each award which ensures that attendees have a reasonable degree of expectation on the evening of the awards. The Judges are ‘refreshed’ on an annual basis to ensure that there is a degree of change on the panel and that different views are heard. As a rule, we invite the Leader of the Year and NextGen winners to join the judging panel on a three-year cycle. Finally, where conflict of interests occurs, Judges are removed from the judging process and a degree of neutrality is preserved.

Award Criteria

The Judges will be looking for submissions that cover the 12 months of 2025, however, they can cover a longer time frame if the project’s gestation period has been more than 12 months. Where possible, site visits from the Judges will take place and full Terms & Conditions are listed on the submission form.

CORE CRITERIA EXPECTED ON ALL SUBMISSIONS BY THE JUDGES

  • Submitting companies do NOT have to have an office in the East of England but projects submitted, do have to be in the six specified counties (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk)
  • Active and demonstrable inclusion, diversity, community engagement and collaboration will always be encouraged
  • Submissions on two sides A4 (min. font size Arial 10) however up to 10 photos can be submitted either via WeTransfer or equivalent
  • Videos can be submitted as additional information but should be no more than 2 minutes long to support the written submissions.
  • Terms & Conditions Apply – Submissions cannot be returned, and the Judge’s decision is final. Any issues please contact info@ukpropertyforums.com
Best Life Science / Deal of the Year

Sponsored by:  TBC

This category recognises a standout deal, transaction or agreement completed within the past 12 months, that has had a transformative impact on your business and is widely regarded by peers as a benchmark of success within the East of England real estate market.
Submissions may relate to any deal within the life science or office sectors, including but not limited to a major transaction, merger or acquisition, property sale, or the securing of a significant contract. Entries should clearly demonstrate the scale, complexity and strategic importance of the deal, highlighting its contribution to your success in the East of England. Applicants are encouraged to evidence the scope and depth of their achievements through client references, market impact, and other supporting material to assist the Judges in their assessment.

Submit entry via online form

Best Architect of the Year

Sponsored by: TBC

High-quality architecture is fundamental to the continued success and growth of the East of England. In response to evolving client demands and the complexities of the planning process, architects operating in the region must navigate a wide range of challenges to deliver buildings that respect local character, satisfy planning requirements, and meet client expectations.
This category recognises architects who can demonstrate a strong and credible track record within the East of England, built over a sustained period of time. Judges will be looking for evidence of design excellence, consistency, and a meaningful contribution to the built environment across the region. Submissions should include background information on the practice alongside detailed examples of completed projects, clearly demonstrating success and impact. Entrants are not required to have an office in the East of England; however, all projects submitted must be located within the region.
 
 
 
 

 

Submit entry via online form

Best Approach to Social Value (Community Engagement)

Sponsored by: TBC

This category recognises a company, consultancy or project team that can clearly demonstrate a commitment to responsible business practices and the positive impact this approach has delivered for both the organisation and the wider community.
Judges will be looking for measurable evidence of excellence across areas such as innovation, social value, local community engagement, environmental credentials and employee engagement. Submissions should be supported by tangible outcomes and, where possible, feedback from clients, partners or the supply chain that evidences a credible and effective approach to responsible business. All criteria will be considered holistically, with the Judges selecting the entry that best demonstrates a best-in-class approach to social value and community engagement, worthy of recognition by peers across the industry.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Submit entry via online form

Best Leadership in Residential Development

Sponsored by: TBC

Innovation in housing is central to the long-term success of the East of England. This award recognises a housing development, or developer, that demonstrates exceptional creativity and forward-thinking design, shaped by a deep understanding of customer needs, aspirations and lived experience.

Entrants should clearly illustrate how innovative thinking has influenced the scheme from concept through to delivery. This may include the intelligent use of materials, design-led solutions that enhance wellbeing, accessibility and everyday living, and approaches that challenge traditional models of housing delivery. Submissions must demonstrate how customer insight and community engagement have informed placemaking, sustainability strategies, sales and marketing, and the wider ESG ambitions of the development. Entries should also show how these innovations successfully meet planning and regulatory requirements, achieving a balanced and considered response to regulatory, social and end-user needs.

The Judges will assess all criteria holistically and select the entry that best represents best-in-class innovation, worthy of recognition by peers across the industry.

Submit entry via online form

Best Commercial Building

Sponsored by:

Industrial, science, education and office development activity across the East of England has remained strong since early 2024. This award recognises outstanding new commercial buildings delivered within these sectors that demonstrate excellence in design, delivery and commercial performance.

Submissions are invited from development teams involved in new projects that clearly respond to the client’s brief while aligning with Local Plan objectives to support economic growth and generate new income for the East of England. Entries should highlight the quality, functionality and wider impact of the building, including its contribution to the local area and market.

Supporting information about the submitting organisation should be included, alongside client references and other relevant evidence to assist the Judges in their assessment.

Submit entry via online form

Best Educational & Learning Building

Sponsored by:  TBC

Education and learning are central to the identity of Cambridge and the wider East of England, driving sustained investment in the built environment and real estate. This award recognises educational and learning buildings that demonstrate excellence in design, delivery and impact.

Judges will be looking for projects that combine inspirational interior environments that enhance learning and student experience with high-quality exterior design that complements and respects the local context. Entries may include new build projects, refurbishments or fit-outs, and should clearly explain the transformation process from inception to completion. Submissions should include supporting information about the project and the organisation responsible for its delivery. Entrants are not required to have an office in the East of England; however, all projects submitted must be located within the region.

Submit entry via online form

Best Low Carbon Building

Sponsored by:  TBC

The drive towards low carbon design is now a fundamental requirement across development briefs throughout the East of England. Developers, building owners and design teams are increasingly expected to respond to these demands through thoughtful design strategies, material selection and sustainable construction practices.

This category recognises projects that can clearly demonstrate a robust low carbon and sustainability strategy, supported by a credible delivery plan. Submissions should provide measurable evidence of environmental benefit, such as reductions in operational or embodied carbon, and may include accreditation or recognition from relevant industry bodies. Entries may relate to new build or existing assets and may also be submitted in other award categories. Judges will take into account the specific challenges associated with achieving low or zero carbon outcomes in legacy cities and estates, including complex urban environments such as Cambridge.

Submit entry via online form

Future Building of the Year

Sponsored by: TBC

While many entries to the EastProp Awards celebrate completed or recently delivered schemes, this category recognises projects that are still in the planning, pre-application or early design stages.

Judges will be looking for proposals that demonstrate a clear understanding of their site, an inspirational and well-considered design vision, and the potential to deliver meaningful positive impact. This may include projects of significant scale, schemes that enhance the local environment, or developments that set new benchmarks for quality, sustainability or placemaking. Submissions should include information about the submitting organisation, alongside relevant examples of past projects that evidence the team’s capability to deliver successful outcomes. Entrants are not required to have an office in the East of England; however, all projects submitted must be located within the region.

Submit entry via online form

Best Project of the Year

Sponsored by: TBC

A special award for a special project. This is a flagship award recognising an exceptional project that represents the very best of development and delivery across the East of England.

Entries should showcase outstanding new buildings that successfully respond to the client’s brief while inspiring users and making a positive contribution to the wider community. Submissions may include projects of any scale, including new build developments delivered to an exceptional standard of design, construction, procurement and sustainability. Projects from all sectors are eligible, including office, education, residential and retail, all of which have been recognised in previous years. While value for money and commercial awareness are important considerations, overall quality, impact and achievement will take precedence, with budget not being a determining factor in the Judges’ final decision.

Entries for this award will showcase the East of England finest new quality buildings which answer the client’s brief, and which become inspirational for the users and the wider community. Alternatively, it could include a new build project which has been constructed to a high-level of finish, design, procurement and with strong sustainable credentials. Entries can come from across all sectors including the office, educational, residential and retail sectors, which have all been past winners of this award. At the discretion of the judges, entries may also be submitted from other categories for this award.

Submit entry via online form

Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by:  TBC

This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals in the final stages of their higher-level apprenticeships. It recognises apprentices who have demonstrated excellence, made a meaningful impact within their organisation or sector, and shown the potential to become future leaders of their profession.

Judges will be looking for candidates who excel in their technical abilities while also demonstrating initiative, innovation and a commitment to making a difference. Successful entrants will have shown an ability to balance the demands of a rigorous apprenticeship programme alongside full-time employment.

In partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, the following eligibility criteria apply:

  • Apprentices must be studying at Level 5 or Level 6 (or Level 7 for those completing a RIBA Part 2 Architecture qualification).
  • Entries must be submitted jointly with the apprentice’s employer or training provider.
  • The apprentice must have enrolled on their programme within the past 12 months.

Submissions should include details of training undertaken, examples of completed work, and supporting references or testimonials. Entries must be submitted in hard copy and should be accompanied by photographs to support the application.

Submit entry via online form

NextGen of the Year

Sponsored by:  TBC

This award celebrates an exceptional individual under the age of 35 who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and serves as an inspiration to those around them. Working in collaboration with members of NextGenEast and organisations across the East of England, submissions should clearly show how the nominee has become an integral part of their business and exhibited a level of responsibility beyond their years.

Entries may highlight successful project delivery and can include supporting evidence such as client testimonials, references, or case studies. Depending on the breadth and variety of submissions, Judges may create sub‑categories to ensure a fair and balanced comparison of skills and achievements.

Submit entry via online form

East Person of the Year (aka Mattbatt award)

Sponsored by:  TBC

Nominations for this award are welcomed from attendees on the night as well as from across the wider property sector. The award recognises individuals or teams who have played a significant and sustained role in the long‑term success of the East of England property market—not merely through one standout achievement, but through consistent, meaningful contribution over time.

Individual nominees should demonstrate both personal success in their field and a proven commitment to supporting the goals and aspirations of colleagues. For the Team category, Judges will be looking for collective efforts that go above and beyond normal day‑to‑day expectations—something particularly notable in recent years.

Previous Winners

Winners from 2025

The full list of winners is as follows:

Deal of the Year sponsored by Churchmanor Estates
Winner – Letting of the Optic to Arm at Peterhouse Tech Park, Cambridge (submitted by Bidwells)
Highly Commended – Development proposal for Panshanger (DeHavilland Park),  Hertfordshire (submitted by Savills)

Architect of the Year sponsored by DevComms
Winner – Twenty-Nine Architecture

Responsible Employer of the Year sponsored by Horta Properties
Winner – Tees Law

Housing Development of the Year sponsored by Bidwells
Winner – Shelford Road, Cambridge
Highly Commended – Flint Hall Barns, Royston

Commercial Project of the Year sponsored by Savills
Winner – Suffolk Business Park (Plot 400), Bury St Edmunds

Educational Project of the Year sponsored by Carter Jonas
Winner – Northstowe Learning Community, Northstowe
Highly Commended – Cambridge Science Centre, Cambridge

Low Carbon Project of the Year sponsored by Tees Law
Winner – 10 Station Road, Cambridge

Future Project of the Year sponsored by Land Aid
Winner – East Barnwell Project, Cambridge
Highly Commended – Norwich Research Park (GB1), Norwich

Project of the Year sponsored by Mills & Reeve
Winner – The Perse School Sports Centre, Cambridge

Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Anglia Ruskin University
Winner – Ellen Ward, RG Carter

NextGen of the Year sponsored by Handelsbanken
Joint Winners – Jack Smith, KMC Transport Planning and Rebecca Mothersole, Bidwells

Leader of the Year sponsored by UK Property Forums
Winner – Ellie Varley, RG Carter

Check out our gallery from the evening here.

Images by alanglais.com

 

Winners from 2024

The full list of winners:

MattBatt Award – The People’s Vote (sponsored by UKPF)
Oakhill Bereavement Crematorium, Welwyn

Deal of the Year (sponsored by Churchmanor)
Winner – One Cambridge Square, Cambridge, submitted by Bidwells
Highly Commended – Unity Campus, Sawston, submitted by Mills & Reeve

Architect of the Year (sponsored by DevComms)
Winner – Chaplin Farrant
Highly Commended – Saunders Boston Architects

Responsible Employer of the Year (sponsored by Tees)
Winner – Saunders Boston Architects
Highly Commended – RG Carter

Residential Development of the Year (sponsored by Savills)
Winner – Ironworks, Mill Road, Cambridge
Highly Commended – Yusuf Hamied Court – Christ’s College, Cambridge

Commercial Project of the Year (sponsored by Grovemere Property)
Winner – Unity Campus, Sawston
Highly Commended – 20 Station Road, Cambridge
Highly Commended – Ben’s Yard, Stuntney

Educational Project of the Year (sponsored by Land Aid)
Winner – The Valley School SEN, Stevenage
Highly Commended – Heltwate SEN School, Peterborough

Low Carbon Project of the Year (sponsored by Lanpro Services)
Winner – Building Hangar 84/85, Cranfield University
Highly Commended – Hope Street Yard, Cambridge

Future Project of the Year (sponsored by Eastern Echo)
Winner – Waterbeach Barracks, Cambridge
Highly Commended – Alchemy Campus, Fowlmere

Project of the Year (sponsored by Mills & Reeve)
Winner – Yusuf Hamied Court – Christ’s College, Cambridge
Highly Commended – 20 Station Road, Cambridge
Highly Commended – Oakhill Bereavement Crematorium, Welwyn

NextGen (Under 35) of the Year (sponsored by Horta Properties)
Winner – Jonah Balmford, TSA Riley
Highly Commended – Giuliana Borg, Saunders Boston Architects
Highly Commended – Leah Tompkins, DevComms

Team of the Year (sponsored by Handelsbanken)
Winner – DevComms
Highly Commended – KMC Transport Planning

Leader of the Year (sponsored by Handelsbanken)
Winner – Robin Butler, managing director, Urban & Civic plc

See a gallery of the event here.

Images by alanglais.com

Winners from 2023

The full list of winners:

Award for Best Law Firm (sponsored by Carter Jonas)
Winner – Mills & Reeve
Highly commended – HCR Hewitsons

Award for Best Planning Advisor (sponsored by Eastern Echo)
Winner – Bidwells
Highly commended – Lanpro Services

Award for Best Architect or Landscape Architect (sponsored by Horta Properties)
Winner – Saunders Boston Architects
Highly commended – Chaplin Farrant

Award for Best Contractor (sponsored by LandAid)
Winner – Morgan Sindall
Highly commended – Barnes Construction

Award for Deal of the Year (sponsored by DevComms)
Winner – Jaynic for The Range pre-sale at Gateway 14
Highly commended – Bidwells for Brooklands, Cambridge

Award for Best Residential Development / Developer (sponsored by Savills)
Winner – More’s Meadow, Cambridge
Highly commended – Laureate Fields, Felixstowe

Award for Best Commercial Project (sponsored by Churchmanor Estates)
Winner – CMR Surgical Manufacturing Facility, Ely
Highly commended – 30 Station Road, Cambridge

Award for Project of the Year (sponsored by Mills & Reeve)
Winner – The Nest, Norwich
Highly commended – Dojima Brewery Sake Store, Ely

NextGen Award (sponsored by Lanpro)
Winner – Joe Last, Savills
Highly commended – Charlie Clark, Carter Jonas

Team of the Year (sponsored by Pigeon)
Winner (small team) – Carter Jonas Cambridge Lettings Team
Winner (large team) – Stantec / Barton Willmore

Property Leader of the Year (sponsored by Pigeon)
Sven Töpel, chief executive of Brookgate

A gallery of the evening can be viewed here.

Images by alanglais.com

Winners from 2022

In the inaugural of the Eastern Echo Awards we had 30+ award submissions reflecting the rich diversity of projects completed across the region in 2021.

  • Matt Batt Award – New Dining Hall, Homerton College
  • Best Law Firm – Mills & Reeve
  • Best Property Advisor – Bidwells
  • Best Planning Advisor – Carter Jonas
  • Best Architect – Saunders Boston Architects
  • Best Contractor – RG Carter
  • Best Commercial Development – Stane Park, Colchester
  • Best Residential Development – Great Kneighton, Cambridge
  • Project of the Year – Broadland Gate, Norwich
  • Young Person of the Year – Will Fayers, Paul Basham Associates / Jodie Welch, Stantec
  • Property Leader of the Year – Andy Hill, Hill Group

SCHEDULE

The EastPropAwards is a Black Tie Dinner and will be held at Homerton College in Cambridge. The venue seats 250 people for the dinner and we are now taking bookings.  The cost of each ticket includes a reception drink, a three-course meal and of course access to the bar afterwards for the de-brief!

 

18:15 - Champagne Reception

An excellent opportunity to meet fellow guests, potential award winners with a welcome drink and start to feel the atmosphere for the awards evening on the Terrace of Homerton College.

19:15 - EastProp Awards & Dinner

For the EastProp Awards, our moderator – Sara Cox MBE will present the awards to the winning companies and individuals. Our aim will be to complete formal part of the evening by 10.45pm and allow time for guests to mingle and network.

22:45 - After Party in the Griffin Bar
Opportunity to celebrate with the winners and commiserate the not so lucky with a drink at the recently refurbished and sumptuous Griffin Bar located next to the New Dinning Hall at Homerton College.
00:30 - Carriages and Griffin Bar closes!

Carriages await as the event closes.

Bed and Breakfast at Homerton College

Book direct via their website for a single/double ensuite room. Use event code (TBC)

Location Map

Homerton College
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 8PH

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