Old Court and Weaving Sheds Kidderminster Highly Commended at LABC Awards
BFF Architects is delighted that the restoration and remodelling of the Old Court and Weaving Sheds in Kidderminster has been Highly Commended in the Best Public or Community Building category at the 2026 West of England Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards.
The project has transformed Kidderminster’s long-vacant Grade II listed Former Magistrates’ Court and its adjoining historic weaving sheds into a vibrant new hub for creative, digital and community activity, providing a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre.
Delivered by Wyre Forest District Council with support from the Future High Streets Fund, the project demonstrates how thoughtful conservation, technical expertise and collaborative delivery can give new life to a neglected heritage asset while creating spaces that meet the needs of contemporary communities.
Originally constructed in 1878–79 as offices and a showroom for Kidderminster’s carpet industry, the Queen Anne Revival building and adjoining north-lit weaving sheds presented significant conservation and technical challenges. BFF Architects led the restoration and adaptation of the buildings, carefully balancing the retention of historic fabric with new interventions that meet modern standards and celebrate the site's distinctive industrial heritage.
The completed development provides more than 1,800 sqm of accessible workspace, meeting rooms and event facilities. The former court chamber has been transformed into a flexible conference and performance space, while shared facilities support businesses, creative industries and community use.
A particular highlight is the restoration of the rare north-lit weaving shed, with its distinctive saw-tooth roof, cast-iron columns and fish-belly tie beams. Previously hidden from public view, the restored shed now provides a unique setting for exhibitions, workshops and cultural events, ensuring that an important part of Kidderminster’s industrial heritage remains at the heart of its future.
Sustainability has been integral to the approach, with the retention and repair of the existing buildings significantly reducing embodied carbon. Energy-efficient upgrades, natural ventilation, biodiversity enhancements and inclusive access have been incorporated throughout the development.
The project extends beyond the buildings themselves. Improvements to Coronation Gardens, together with the building contractor BAM’s engagement with local schools and colleges during the construction period, have created wider social value and strengthened connections between the development and the local community.
The result is a successful combination of heritage conservation and contemporary regeneration, securing the future of an important historic asset while creating lasting economic, cultural and community benefits for Kidderminster.
The LABC Building Excellence Awards are organised by Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the member organisation representing local authority building control teams across England and Wales. The awards celebrate high-quality construction, outstanding building projects and successful partnerships between local authorities and the construction industry, recognising those who demonstrate a commitment to competence, quality and the delivery of safe and sustainable buildings.