Innovation Meets Conservation at the 2025 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards

A vibrant mix of restoration, sustainability, craftsmanship and new design came together as the 2025 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were celebrated at a major ceremony held at the American Express Stadium, Brighton on Wednesday 2nd July.

This landmark event marked the Trust’s biggest Awards yet, with over 100 entries, 40 Awards and 28 Highly Commended certificates presented across nine categories. The judging teams, comprised of heritage experts, architects, and construction professionals, who visited every single project – from beautifully restored barns and churches to contemporary coastal homes and innovative community hubs.

Now in its 27th year, the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, sponsored by Thakeham, honour excellence in conservation, restoration and good new design while supporting the ongoing use of traditional skills and materials in Sussex. The Awards also reflect a growing commitment to environmental responsibility, with special recognition for projects supporting biodiversity, sustainability and design within the South Downs National Park.

The clear standout this year was the Cockshut Restoration Project in Lewes, which achieved a rare double triumph, winning both The Eco Award (sponsored by Kreston Reeves and Cowan Architects) and The South Downs Award (sponsored by South Downs National Park Authority). Judges praised the project’s “brave and bold conservation approach,” transforming a previously neglected wetland landscape into a rich, ecologically diverse space with deep roots in community engagement and habitat renewal.

The prestigious Sussex Heritage Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery and Lawson Commercial, was awarded to Richard Meynell, a much-admired figure in ecclesiastical architecture, with judges recognising his “unrivalled knowledge, quiet leadership, and extraordinary legacy.”

David Cowan, Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, said:

“This year’s Awards are a powerful reminder that heritage isn’t just about preserving the past – it’s about shaping places people love to live, work and visit. From modern eco homes and restored churches to sensitive urban design and community spaces, these winning projects show Sussex at its very best. My thanks to every judge, sponsor, and entrant – and heartfelt congratulations to all our Award winners.”

Robert Boughton, Chief Executive Officer, Thakeham, said:

“Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Sussex Heritage Trust Awards as well as those who were highly commended and nominated. The standard of entries was incredibly high this year, reflecting the excellent heritage design and craftsmanship being delivered across this fantastic county. I particularly enjoyed being able to visit some of these amazing properties and buildings in person during the judging process.”

Award-winning local projects included:

• Cockshut Restoration Project, Lewes – a model wetland restoration delivering biodiversity, community engagement, and ecological value. Submitted by: Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust. www.oart.org.uk | Lewes District Council. www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
• Corten House, Framfield – a bold, Passivhaus-standard home transformation featuring striking Corten use and exceptional craftsmanship, especially in the kitchen and interiors. Nigel Jeffery received a Building Crafts Awards for carpentry and bespoke timber design. Submitted by: Rexstone Builders Ltd. www.rexstonebuilders.co.uk
• Garden for the Future at Sheffield Park & Gardens, Uckfield – a vital climate-resilient planting project using local, low-carbon materials. Scientifically driven, with strong community engagement and national relevance. Submitted by: Joe Perkins Design. www.joeperkinsdesign.com | The National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
• Old Rectory Cottage, Barcombe – a well-scaled extension that blends old and new with excellent materials and proportions, creating a harmonious and comfortable home. Submitted by: HAPA Architects. www.hapa-architects.co.uk

Highly Commended local projects included:

• Hammonds Mill Place, Hassocks – commended for its refined use of materials and landscape design, creating a tranquil residential setting on a previously contaminated woodland site. Submitted by: Remmus Designer Homes www.remmushomes.co.uk
• Wallands Community Primary School, Lewes – lauded for its educational landscape design, promoting sustainability and imaginative play while addressing water management. Submitted by: Robert Bray Associates. www.robertbrayassociates.co.uk
• Warbill in Tun, Warbleton – thoughtful and well-executed pub-to-home conversion, preserving character while achieving a sensitive, high-quality retrofit. Submitted by: Stickland Wright. www.sticklandwright.co.uk | Hawes Construction Group. www.hawesconstructiongroup.co.uk

A full list of 2025 Sussex Heritage Trust Award winners and sponsors is available at: www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk