Watford Colosseum has been announced as a Regional Finalist in the 2026 Civic Trust Awards, one of the UK’s longest-standing honours for excellence in architecture, planning and design...
The venue has also been shortlisted in the Selwyn Goldsmith Universal Design Awards (SGA), which run alongside the main Civic Trust programme and recognise schemes that demonstrate exemplary standards of accessibility and inclusive design.
Regional Finalists are selected for their significant contribution to the quality, appearance and sustainability of the built environment. For the SGA category, judges look for projects that go beyond statutory requirements, placing people at the heart of the design process and ensuring places can be used with dignity and equality by all.
The recognition reflects the thoughtful, heritage-led transformation and the council’s commitment to restoring and futureproofing one of Watford’s most iconic buildings.
First opened in 1938 and renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the Colosseum had reached a critical point in its lifecycle. Years of heavy use, the impact of the pandemic and the end of the previous operating contract meant significant intervention was needed. The council used the opportunity to restore the venue, modernise it for today’s audiences and embed accessibility and sustainability throughout.
The £16 million refurbishment, funded by the council, the Levelling Up Fund and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered major improvements while respecting the building’s art deco character. Systems were replaced with low-carbon alternatives, heritage features restored, and new insulation, solar panels and LED lighting introduced. These upgrades cut carbon emissions by more than 190 tonnes a year and have raised the building to an impressive EPC rating of C for a listed asset.
Inside, the venue now offers improved circulation, refreshed foyers, upgraded backstage areas and enhanced production systems. Accessibility has been embedded throughout, including step-free routes, a Changing Places facility, clearer wayfinding and neuro-inclusive design shaped by access specialists and community groups.
Sustainability informed every stage of the project, with 99% of construction waste diverted from landfill and significant reductions in future running costs.
Since reopening in August 2025, the Colosseum has welcomed more than 20,000 visitors and re-established itself as a leading cultural destination for Watford and the wider region.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am delighted that Watford Colosseum has been recognised in these prestigious awards. This nomination reflects the huge amount of care, expertise and community input that went into restoring this much-loved venue.
“Our investment has not only protected an important part of Watford’s heritage but has created a more sustainable, accessible and vibrant cultural space for residents and visitors for generations to come.”
To find out more about Watford Colosseum and the Civic Trust Awards, please visit www.civictrustawards.org.uk.
