BCO_National_Awards_2026_Suplement - Flipbook - Page 55
JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD
BCO Awards 2026
Client
Cornwall Council
Owner
Cornwall Council
as part of a high street
regeneration project, it is
operated by Forward, the
co-working pioneer founded
by Gavin Eddy and rooted
in the Southwest. It was also
backed by the EU Regional
Development Fund and the
Future High Street Fund.
The aim is to increase high
street footfall, create local
jobs and support local shops
and businesses by bringing
visitors and workers to the
town centre.
The site sits on top of a
Grade II listed underground
reservoir and 1820s cattle
bco.org.uk
market. Architectural
practice Stride Treglown
was brought on board to
give form to the latest phase
of the site’s story and took
inspiration from the footprint
and heritage of what came
before to create Pixel’s
distinctive curved shape.
Original 18th-century stone
boundary walls have been
carefully retained, while the
upper floors are glass clad
and offer a snapshot of the
creative businesses within.
The building is made up
of three floors of workspace
for creatives. It offers shared
studios for artists and makers
of all disciplines through to
more conventional desk space
in bright, modern workspaces
with views of the town and
harbour beyond.
Pixel uses a flexible, futureproofed studio leasing model
to actively support Penzance’s
creative sector, driving
economic regeneration and
community engagement.
The project was delayed
when contractor Midas
went into administration in
2022, but was completed by
Kier and officially opened in
January 2025. The judges
were deeply impressed by the
very real impact now being
delivered here.
They were wowed by
Pixel’s robust sustainability
credentials too. Its BREEAM
Excellent rating, life cycle
carbon assessment and
passive design all serve to
Occupier
Forward Space
Project Manager
MWJV
Quantity Surveyor
MWJV
Architect
Stride Treglown
M&E Engineer
SDS
Structural Engineer
MBA Consulting
Contractor
Kier Construction
demonstrate its long-term
value and environmental
sustainability. The judges
said: “Pixel shows how
corporate investment in
close partnership with the
local council can revive
communities, champion
sustainability and nurture
business ecosystems.”
October 2026 • ESTATES GAZETTE • 55
