OnSide celebrates a hat-trick of national and regional property awards

We’re proud to share that two of our newest Youth Zone projects have been recognised for outstanding design, adaptive reuse, sustainability and social impact.

Last week we secured two major honours at the prestigious AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards in London, where we were named Client of the Year and Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby won the Adaptive Reuse into Other category.

The Horizon award celebrates an innovative conversion that has given existing buildings a completely new purpose. The project transformed a group of Grade II-listed former warehouses into a vibrant Youth Zone for Grimsby’s young people – an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can preserve local heritage while creating lasting community value.

Architect John Puttick, one of OnSide’s long-standing partners, attended the ceremony and praised the organisation for demonstrating “exceptional ambition, commitment and leadership”. You can read more about the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards here.

There was more to celebrate in Leeds as Base71 Youth Zone in Barnsley won the Sustainability & Social Impact Award at the Insider Yorkshire Property Awards 2026.

Delivered through collaboration between OnSide, Barnsley Council and our project partners, Base71 has turned a town-centre site into a state-of-the-art space where young people can build skills, confidence and aspiration. The award recognises both the project’s sustainable design and the meaningful investment it represents in Barnsley’s young people and wider community.

Members of our Property & Construction team represented OnSide at both ceremonies, with the three awards recognising the contribution of colleagues across OnSide and the partners who help bring our Youth Zones to life. Most importantly, they recognise the care and ambition that goes into creating outstanding spaces where young people can thrive.