Ham Hill Visitor Centre Wins Regional LABC Building Excellence Award

Somerset Council's visitor centre recognised for outstanding quality and design, progressing to national finals.

Generic image of a traditional stone building with a balcony and iron railings, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight.
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Generic image of a traditional stone building with a balcony and iron railings, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight.

The Ham Hill Visitor Centre, operated by Somerset Council, has been named a regional winner at the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2026, securing the title of Best Public or Community Building and advancing to the national finals.

The award celebrates the exceptional quality, design, and construction of the visitor centre, which opened in December 2025 and has rapidly become a popular destination. The project was a collaborative effort involving numerous partners, including Somerset Council, Saunders Boston Architects, and Skinner Construction Ltd.
The new facility enhances the visitor experience at Ham Hill Country Park, offering a modern, sustainable, and accessible space to explore the area's natural, historical, and cultural heritage. Funding was generously provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other benefactors.
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"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."

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts · Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change
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"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."

Rachael Whaites · Green Estates Manager at Somerset Council and Project Manager for the Ham Hill Visitor Centre
The LABC Building Excellence Awards recognise the highest standards in construction and design. Winners from across England and Wales will compete at the LABC Grand Finals 2026, with results announced on 22 January 2027.
Based on information from the official source: Somerset Council (03/11/2026)