A refurbished teaching block at Askham Bryan College has been named Best Non-Residential Building at the York Design Awards 2026.

The prestigious awards, held at York Racecourse, recognise excellence in design, conservation and construction across projects completed within the City of York.

Lindum York was appointed to deliver the £1.7 million refurbishment, transforming a building that had reached the end of its economic life into a modern, sustainable learning environment.

Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project focused on retaining and enhancing the existing structure, significantly reducing the environmental impact while creating high-quality facilities to support the delivery of T Levels.

Works included a new insulated roofing system, blown cavity wall insulation, replacement windows and external doors, new internal doors, upgraded toilet facilities, structural alterations to create a new entrance foyer, new entrance canopies, modern mechanical and electrical services, and high-quality internal finishes throughout.

The building, which reopened in January 2025, now provides a vibrant learning environment housing teaching classrooms, digital suites, offices, a micro farm, and specialist facilities including the College’s tractor and racing simulators.

The project was delivered by Lindum York in partnership with Evans McDowall Architects, Aspect 4 and Askham Bryan College, following the College securing more than £1 million in government funding to support the development.

Gordon Bovill, Estates Project Manager at Askham Bryan College, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been part of an outstanding project team, working alongside College stakeholders, Evans McDowall Architects, Lindum York and Aspect 4. Together, we transformed a building that was in poor repair and had reached the end of its economic life into a state-of-the-art learning environment.

“While a strong case could have been made for demolishing and rebuilding the Teaching Block, the College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint wherever possible. By choosing refurbishment over replacement, we have successfully retained and repurposed the existing structure while incorporating modern, energy-efficient technologies that significantly reduce operational carbon emissions.

“The completed refurbishment exceeded our expectations and has created a building that reflects the College’s culture of high aspiration, achievement and sustainability. To receive the York Design Award for the Non-Residential category is a fantastic recognition of the dedication, expertise and collaboration shown by everyone involved. It is the icing on the cake for the whole team.”

The judges recognised the project for successfully combining thoughtful design, sustainability and the sensitive refurbishment of an existing building to create an outstanding educational facility for future generations of students.

James Nellist, Managing Director of Lindum York, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of what can be achieved through close collaboration between the client, design team and supply chain.

“By refurbishing rather than replacing the building, the project has delivered a high-quality, modern learning environment while making the most of the existing structure and significantly reducing its environmental impact. We’d like to congratulate Askham Bryan College and everyone involved in the project on this well-deserved achievement.”