TWO OF Reading’s spaces have taken national awards in the office space sector celebrating workplaces this week.
ONE Station Hill and Englefield Estate have bagged accolades at this year’s British Council for Offices awards.
The awards, which celebrate the very best in office design, development and operation, took place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel on London’s Park Lane on Tuesday, October 7.
The winners were announced in front of an audience of more than 1,200 senior figures from across the office sector, in an event showcasing what it takes to create a successful office in today’s environment and how projects aim to revitalise cities, cut carbon, and set new benchmarks for best-in-class.
ONE Station Hill was awarded the Commercial Workplace Award, as one of Reading’s newest and most immediate office spaces, situated next to Reading Station.
It was commended as “a brave landmark project” which demonstrates how a well-designed workplace can drive regeneration–the judges said One Station Hill puts Reading “into a new class” of the business market.
Elsewhere, Englefield Estate Yard was awarded the Projects up to 2,500m² Award, with the awards citing it as an example of sustainable conservation: “Transforming a Grade II listed building into a modern, energy-efficient office while preserving its historic character.
They commended a “strong focus” on sustainability, enhanced biodiversity and promoting well-being through natural light, accessible facilities and biophilic design elements.
Other winners included BBC Wales, in Cardiff; The Edinburgh Futures Institute; Eden, in Salford; and Unusual HQ, Northampton.
Mike Burton, chair of the National Awards judging panel, said: “This year’s judging process revealed a notable shift in how we define excellence in the workplace.
“The 2025 winners show how the UK’s office sector is leading the way in creating spaces that are not just high-performing and sustainable, but deeply human.
“The winning projects prove that offices can be catalysts for wellbeing, creativity and urban renewal.”
BCO chief executive Samantha McClary added: “The BCO Awards are a celebration of bold thinking and brilliant execution.
“What stands out this year is the sheer diversity of innovation taking place, from circular economy construction and biophilic design to inclusive, neurodiverse environments and flexible leasing models.
“These workplaces – and the people who create and curate them – reflect a sector that’s listening, learning and leading the way in meeting future challenges and opportunities head-on. The BCO is proud to champion this evolution and the people driving it.”
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
