Watford Borough Council has been honoured with the Retrofit Award at the Constructing Excellence Herts & Beds Club Awards, recognising its focus on sustainability, heritage and innovation for the Watford Colosseum project delivered with Morgan Sindall Construction.

The accolade highlights the partnership's successful refurbishment of the Colosseum, improving the performance of an existing civic asset while advancing the shift towards a net zero built environment.

Judges commended the scheme for aligning with community and client aims, embedding collaboration throughout, and deploying innovative and digital methods to retrofit a major cultural venue.

The works form a central part of the council's ambitious 10-year Town Hall Quarter programme, set to revitalise the top of the town centre into a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses.

The project has created a modern, accessible and energy-efficient venue that stays true to its art deco character. Upgrades include low-carbon systems, enhanced visitor and backstage facilities, and inclusive features such as step-free access and a Changing Places facility.

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Carbon emissions at the Colosseum have been cut by more than 190 tonnes a year, with 99% of construction waste diverted from landfill.

As part of the broader Town Hall Quarter initiative, additional measures have been introduced to strengthen sustainability, accessibility and long-term performance across the site, supporting the council's pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "Winning this Retrofit Award for Watford Colosseum is a testament to our approach to economic development and investment in driving the town's success. By working collaboratively with Morgan Sindall and our partners, we have been able to preserve Watford's heritage while delivering a modern, sustainable venue that will serve our community for generations to come."

Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: "This award is a great recognition of the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that Watford Borough Council and our team have devoted to breathing fresh life into this iconic venue. The success of this project exemplifies how much-loved and historic community assets can be revitalised and brought up to a modern standard while retaining their heritage and character."

The award also acknowledges the project's use of Constructing Excellence principles across procurement, innovation, collaboration and sustainability, resulting in measurable improvements to building performance and environmental impact.