The University of Gloucestershire's transformation of Gloucester's former Debenhams store into its new City Campus has been named as one of the region's best construction projects by a well regarded West Midlands awards.
The 'cutting-edge' centre for teaching, learning and community services in Gloucester's Kings Quarter won Building Project of the Year, the Retrofit Award and the overall Winner of Winners Award at the Constructing Excellence West Midlands Awards, this May 2026.
The awards, led by national membership organisation Constructing Excellence, is described as the West Midlands' 'biggest celebration of best practice' in the construction industry, 'showcasing desire and commitment to deliver buildings, housing, infrastructure and facilities in a collaborative and sustainable manner'.
With the achievements shared by the full project team, including delivery partners Morgan Sindall Construction, PAGABO, Ridge, Arup, Coreus and Denton Powell, the university says the three awards are testament to the 'ambition, innovation and collaboration' that has underpinned the project since it purchased the former Debenhams building in 2021.
The development is described as 'setting a benchmark for high-quality retrofit and regeneration', transforming the historic site into a 'vibrant, sustainable' public asset bringing new opportunities for education, skills development and community services into the heart of Gloucester.
Officially opened by The Princess Royal in January 2026, the campus is home to the university’s education, psychology and social work programmes. It also provides a range of shared public access facilities, with a new arts, health and wellbeing centre delivered in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board, and a new public library run by Gloucestershire County Council.
The awards follow the news that the university and NHS Gloucestershire ICB have agreed funding for a new dental school and treatment hub at the campus, which will be operational from 2027.
The university's vice-chancellor, Dame Clare Marchant DBE, said: 'City Campus exemplifies what can be achieved through a shared vision and ambition to deliver excellent new facilities for our students, staff and the wider community of which everyone can be proud.
'The recent announcement of the Three Counties Dental School and Gloucestershire Dental Treatment Hub shows how City Campus continues to evolve, and the remaining spaces offer even more opportunities for collaboration, innovation and impact in the future.'
Richard Fielding, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: 'We're honoured to see City Campus recognised with three Constructing Excellence Awards, including the Winner of Winners. Transforming such an iconic heritage building into a modern, vibrant educational and community facility has been a real privilege.
'The success is a credit to the entire project team and the strength of our collaboration with the university and delivery partners. We're thrilled to have played our part in creating a lasting legacy for Gloucester and its community.'
