City council does the double at regional construction awards

Two ambitious Leicester City Council development projects have been recognised at this year's Constructing Excellence East Midlands Awards.

The city council took top spot in two categories at the annual regional awards ceremony, which recognises the contributions made by architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other key players in the construction sector.

Hillview children’s home – the city council’s first purpose-built children’s home to be constructed for more than 40 years – was named the Residential Scheme of the Year.

Canopy – the ambitious regeneration of five former factory buildings in Leicester city centre into a home for the creative industries – took the Regeneration and Conservation Project of the Year award.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is fantastic recognition for two brilliant projects. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved in these quite different but equally ambitious schemes.

“The new Hillview children’s home has been purpose built to provide wonderful new facilities and dedicated support for those children and young people in the city who need it most.

“And, Canopy is another wonderful example of how heritage led regeneration can bring new life and purpose to buildings from Leicester’s industrial past, and help play an important part in the city’s future economic prosperity,

“Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the hard work and expertise of the teams that have designed and delivered these often-complex projects, and these awards are a credit to them.”

Hillview, located in the west of the city, opened in November 2025 and provides accommodation for five young people between the ages of seven and 17.

The purpose-built children’s home has five bedrooms with ensuite facilities, as well as two semi-independent living flats, to help young people leaving care learn to live independently. There is also a kitchen, lounge, sleeping quarters for staff and a games room with 'street art' wall.

The £1.8m scheme was supported with a contribution of £800,000 from the Department for Education.

Canopy, in King Street, is the result of the ambitious regeneration of five heritage buildings on the former Pilot House. The imaginative redevelopment now provides more than 30,000sqft of high-quality workspace.

The innovative new development will support the city’s creative and design sector, becoming a base for businesses with a focus on enterprise and innovation, and helping to support around 250 jobs in the city centre.

As well as contemporary office accommodation, Canopy’s tenants will have access to attractive meeting rooms and conference facilities, a co-working lounge, a reception area, an outdoor courtyard and Public – the popular coffee shop and bakery.

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LCC News - Published on Monday, June 29, 2026