From controversy to collaboration: Norton Folgate team clinches CIOB Team Award

A project team charged with delivering one of London’s most complex urban regeneration schemes was crowned the winner of the Team Award at this year’s coveted CIOB Awards celebration. 

The team behind the Norton Folgate development, led by Skanska UK, was praised for delivering a multi-building project in the heart of Spitalfields.  

Despite numerous challenges, including significant public opposition during the planning stages, they delivered six plots made up of 12 new and restored buildings in the heart of a sensitive conservation area. 

The group brought the public back on side through excellent stakeholder communication, building strong relationships with residents, businesses and conservation groups throughout. 

Tactics praised by judges included weekly door-to-door updates, regular newsletters, monthly community meetings and a dedicated project blog. 

Speaking after winning the Team Award, Graham Mercer, Project Director, said: “The Norton Folgate delivery team are incredibly happy and proud to have been awarded the CIOB Team of the Year award.  It is amazing to receive industry recognition for all our hard work, as well as recognition of the culture and behaviours we demonstrated as a team. 

“The Norton Folgate project consisted of the delivery of 12 buildings across 6 plots, sitting on a Scheduled Ancient Monument within a conservation area with listed cobbled streets running through the development.  The team was formed from individuals from over 85 businesses - across client, designers, contractors and trade contractors - brought together to deliver this complex and challenging project including whole and part retention of much-loved historic warehouses.  

“This team is an exceptional example of how construction can be done when we all work together in a positive and collaborative way.  The end product is a unique and beautiful set of buildings - a demonstration of how creating a positive and trusting team culture brings tangible value.” 

Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive Officer at CIOB, added: “The Norton Folgate team demonstrated how powerful a values-led approach can be when facing a complex construction challenge, particularly on sensitive building sites. 

“They created trust with the local community and managed to deliver a project of outstanding quality. I am thrilled to not only commend them for a successful project, but also as a great example of best practice in the industry.” 

The Norton Folgate team was among several winners at the glittering CIOB Awards ceremony held at London’s Hilton Metropole Hotel on 15 May 2025.