Watford Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Construction win prestigious award...
Watford Borough Council has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, heritage and innovation after winning the Retrofit Award at the Constructing Excellence Herts & Beds Club Awards for its work on Watford Colosseum.
The award celebrates the council’s partnership with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver the refurbishment of Watford Colosseum, highlighting outstanding work to improve the performance of existing assets while supporting the transition to a net zero built environment.
The judges praised the project for successfully meeting community and client goals, embedding collaboration throughout delivery, and applying innovative and digital approaches to retrofit a major civic and cultural landmark.
The works form a key part of the council’s ambitious 10-year Town Hall Quarter programme, which will transform the top of the town centre into a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses.
The refurbishment of Watford Colosseum has delivered a modern, accessible and energy-efficient venue while respecting its historic art deco character. The project introduced low-carbon systems, improved visitor and backstage facilities, and embedded inclusive design features such as step-free access and a Changing Places facility. Carbon emissions at the venue have been reduced by more than 190 tonnes annually, with 99% of construction waste diverted from landfill.
As part of the wider Town Hall Quarter programme, improvements have also been made to enhance sustainability, accessibility and long-term performance across the site, including energy efficiency measures that support the council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Winning this Retrofit Award for Watford Colosseum is a testament to our approach to economic development and investment in driving the town’s success. By working collaboratively with Morgan Sindall and our partners, we have been able to preserve Watford’s heritage while delivering a modern, sustainable venue that will serve our community for generations to come.”
Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “This award is a great recognition of the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that Watford Borough Council and our team have devoted to breathing fresh life into this iconic venue. The success of this project exemplifies how much-loved and historic community assets can be revitalised and brought up to a modern standard while retaining their heritage and character.”
The award recognises how the project has applied Constructing Excellence principles across procurement, innovation, collaboration and sustainability, delivering a measurable improvement in building performance and environmental impact.
View more information about the Town Hall Quarter programme
