The Ringwood Society Design and Conservation Awards 2026

The Ringwood Society was delighted to recently present its annual Design and Conservation awards, sponsored by Lonsdale Wealth Management and Trusted Technology Partnership. The three awards for 2026 were presented by Society Chairman, Alex Bancroft. The awards, delivered at the Society’s annual Autumn Open Meeting at Greyfriars Community Centre, are the flagship event of the Society calendar. The awards, first launched in 1981, were revamped four years ago and are awarded annually.

The Residential Award went to DUA Architecture for their extension and remodelling of 5 Broadshard Lane. This scheme was seen as a good example of how the character of a period property can be retained, even when it is updated for modern living.

The Commercial Award was given to the external repairs to 10 High Street, carried out by the owners, Curry Garden. The Society were particularly pleased with the care and attention to detail which had gone into the specification of the repairs, with Jay Khan from Curry Garden recounting in his acceptance having spent a great deal of time sourcing hair and lime to ensure the correct mix for the lime render used.

A new business opening in Ringwood is always something to celebrate, and The Society Highly Commended the new signage at 5-7 Christchurch Road, undertaken by M+O Hospitality for their new venture; Fridays. This scheme showed the great benefit to the Conservation Area that appropriate and high-quality signage can bring. Coincidentally, Fridays is located next door to a 2024 winner; Rose and Lily Florals.

Society chairman and local Chartered Architect, Alex Bancroft commented that “we had some interesting entries to consider this year, and the winning and commended schemes showcase the excellent work going on in the town to preserve and enhance its character. Particularly all these schemes show that buildings can change and evolve, without losing their character, and the wider benefit high quality schemes can have on the appearance of the town.” He continued: “We are particularly grateful to Lonsdale Wealth Management and Trusted Technology Partnership for their sponsorship of the Design and Conservation Awards this year and thank them for their support in making this year’s event happen. We are already looking forward to what the next twelve months will bring for next year’s awards!”

Nominations for the 2027 Ringwood Society Design and Conservation Awards are now open, and details of how to nominate a project are available on the Society website, along with full details of all of this years and previous years’ winners at www.ringwoodsociety.org.uk/awards