05.06.2026
It’s been a month worth celebrating at Aitken Turnbull, with award wins, industry recognition and project successes highlighting the impact of our work and the strength of our collaborations.
We’re proud to announce that Trinity Road was named Regional Corporate Workplace of the Year at the British Council for Offices (BCO) Northern Awards, while also receiving a Highly Commended recognition in the Refurbished Workplace category.
This achievement reflects the commitment, expertise and shared effort of everyone involved in delivering the project. Successful buildings are always the result of strong partnerships, and this recognition is a testament to the care, creativity and collaboration that our teams and project partners bring to every stage of the process.
Breathing New Life into an Architectural Landmark
The Halifax Building on Trinity Road is one of Britain’s most significant examples of post-war architecture and was formerly the headquarters of the Halifax Building Society.
Constructed between 1968 and 1974 and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II, the building’s architectural and historical importance is recognised through its Grade II listed status. With a legacy already reinforced by both a RIBA Award for Architecture and a European Architectural Heritage Year Award, the project required a carefully balanced approach: respecting the building’s heritage while creating a contemporary workplace designed around the needs of today’s workforce.
Working with our Partners Wates Smartspace the project has transformed the building into a future-focused environment centred around collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability.
The extensive floorplates have been reimagined to create a diverse range of working environments for more than 3,500 colleagues within Lloyds Banking Group, supporting different ways of working while ensuring the building continues to evolve with the needs of its users.
The project demonstrates how culturally significant buildings can be sensitively adapted to meet modern demands — preserving architectural character while creating workplaces that prioritise people and performance.
“Working on the Trinity Road project has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally. As part of the team at Aitken Turnbull, it’s been exciting to contribute to a retrofit project that balances sustainability, heritage, and long-term workplace value. Trinity Road is a strong example of how thoughtful reuse can revitalise existing buildings while supporting the wider town centre, and I’m proud to have played a role in delivering it.”
Sebastian Mercer, Lead Architect
More Recognition at the SDA Awards
The celebrations don’t stop there.
We’re also delighted to share further success at this year’s SDA Awards, with multiple nominations recognising the work of our teams and project partners.
Trinity Road has been shortlisted in the Retrofit category, celebrating the value and impact of thoughtful, sustainable work within the existing built environment.
Alongside this, Sebastian Mercer has been nominated for Young Architect of the Year, recognising not only the quality of his work but also the leadership and dedication he has demonstrated in recent years.
We’re also proud to be part of the wider design team nominated for the MAGwrx project, also shortlisted within the Retrofit category.
These achievements are a reflection of the talent, ambition and expertise across Aitken Turnbull and the strength of the partnerships that make these projects possible.
“We aspire to design and deliver beautiful buildings that support and improve lives and communities, but it’s easy to forget that it’s not just the buildings that matter but the people and the teams that deliver them. These nominations highlight the quality and commitment of our people, our partners and the wider project teams.”
Alasdair Rankin, Managing Director
