Somerset Council is delighted to announce that the Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the prestigious LABC Building Excellence Awards 2026, securing the title of Best Public or Community Building and earning a place in the national LABC Grand Finals 2026.
The award recognises the outstanding quality, design and construction of the new visitor centre at Ham Hill, which opened in December 2025 and has quickly established itself as a popular destination for visitors from across Somerset and beyond.
The project was delivered through a collaborative partnership involving Somerset Council, Saunders Boston Architects, Skinner Construction Ltd, Heritage & Leisure Management, Aileen Shackell Landscape Design, JRC Consulting Engineers, Method Consulting, Smith & Jones Interpretation Designers and Ward Williams, with Somerset Council Building Control, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Green Estates Manager Rachael Whaites supporting the project throughout its development.
The new visitor centre has enhanced the visitor experience at one of Somerset’s most beloved country parks, providing a modern, sustainable and accessible facility that helps people discover and enjoy Ham Hill’s rich natural, historical and cultural heritage.
The project was made possible through generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside support from a number of other generous benefactors and partners who shared the vision of creating a lasting legacy for visitors and the local community.
Being named a regional winner places Ham Hill Visitor Centre among the very best building projects in the region and means it will now compete at the highly regarded LABC Grand Finals 2026, where winners from across England and Wales will be recognised for excellence in construction, design and collaboration.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change, said:
“We are thrilled that the Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been recognised with this prestigious regional award. This achievement reflects the vision, dedication and expertise of everyone involved in creating a building that not only serves visitors today but will support the enjoyment and conservation of Ham Hill for generations to come.
“The visitor centre has quickly become an important community asset, and reaching the LABC Grand Finals is a fantastic recognition of what can be achieved through strong partnership working and a shared commitment to quality.”
Rachael Whaites, Green Estates Manager at Somerset Council and Project Manager for the Ham Hill Visitor Centre, added:
“We are incredibly proud to see Ham Hill Visitor Centre recognised with this award. Our ambition was to create a building that reflects the character of Ham Hill while providing a welcoming space for visitors.
“Although I had the privilege of managing the final stages of the project, this achievement is the result of a vision that began more than a decade ago. It is thanks to the dedication, persistence and belief of those who came before us that this long-held ambition became a reality.
“Since opening in December, the centre has been embraced by visitors and the local community. This award is a testament to the collaboration and commitment of everyone involved, from the project team and contractors to our funders, volunteers and supporters. We are delighted to see their efforts recognised and look forward to representing Somerset at the national finals.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We are delighted to see Ham Hill Visitor Centre receive this well-deserved recognition. Thanks to National Lottery players, we were proud to support a project that has created a welcoming new gateway to one of Somerset’s most treasured landscapes. It is wonderful to see the centre already making such a positive difference for visitors, volunteers and the local community.”
Andrew Chaplin Director at Saunders Boston said:
“This project has always been about creating a visitor centre that complements its unique setting while enhancing the visitor experience. We are proud to see that vision recognised through this award.”
The LABC Building Excellence Awards celebrate the very highest standards in construction and building design, championing projects that demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, sustainability and positive community impact.
Since opening, Ham Hill Visitor Centre has welcomed thousands of visitors and serves as a gateway to Ham Hill Country Park, offering information, exhibitions, educational opportunities and a year-round programme of events and activities.
The winners of the LABC Grand Finals 2026 will be announced on 22 January 2027.
