Grand Prix
The Grand Prix was once again a very tight race this year, with a number of companies performing extremely well. But it was Workman that roared to victory. A year of truly outstanding business performances across the board. Congratulations to the 2026 Grand Prix winners, Workman.
Car Park
of the Year
The Mall Wood Green’s car park has evolved beyond its traditional function to become a dynamic, customer-focused and community-driven asset that’s a real credit to the destination. Highlights include art installations, music festivals and yoga, all of which have driven use and revenue. Very well done to The Mall Wood Green.
Christmas Campaign
of the Year
Lion Yard dazzled the judges with its take on the world-famous ‘Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas’ sign in the Nevada desert. Here in the UK, shoppers were welcomed to the ‘fabulous Lion Yard 50th anniversary’ and once inside they were met with a selfie spot with the famous sign, a casino, community acts on the Las Vegas stage… and much more. Viva Lion Yard!
Community Initiative
of the Year - East
The Heart of Norwich was an amazing achievement by Castle Quarter. With zero budget, the centre rallied local charities and community groups to host events that would make people smile. Excellent effort Castle Quarter.
Highly Commended
The Oracle Reading
Highly Commended
Victoria Square Belfast
Highly Commended
Horsefair Shopping Centre
Community Initiative
of the Year - North
Cuppa with a Copper is a safety and community initiative that has genuinely improved the relationship between Cornmill Shopping Centre, local authorities and the people of Darlington. Well done Cornmill.
Community Initiative
of the Year - South
Eden’s Silver Series initiative has been a big hit with older people as it brings them together to combat loneliness and social isolation. It provides free monthly events including coffee mornings, craft workshops and cinema screenings. What a great idea!
Community Initiative
of the Year - West
The Wednesfield Canal Festival has improved the perception of Bentley Bridge as more than a leisure park, it has shown it as a destination that cares about its place, its people and its environment. Great work Bentley Bridge!
Highly Commended
Teesside Park
Highly Commended
Bluewater
Highly Commended
Mailbox Birmingham
Community Initiative
of the Year - National
Unfortunately there can only be one National Champion for Community Initiative of the Year and that honour goes to Castle Quarter in Norwich. The centre showed that large budgets are not always the be all and end all when hosting community events. Very well done to all at Castle Quarter.
Customer Service Team
of the Year
At Liverpool ONE, footfall has increased and so has customer satisfaction, thanks in great part to the Guest Services team. The team has introduced new accessible services and a very successful ‘Made you smile’ initiative which has delivered more than 1,500 positive comments from guests. Great work Liverpool ONE.
Diversity & Inclusion Scheme of the Year
Wellness in Weston has transformed Weston Favell Shopping Centre into an inclusive community hub where people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and circumstances are made to feel welcome, valued and supported. What a worthy winner!
Highly Commended
centre:mk
Highly Commended
Charter Walk Shopping Centre
Innovation
of the Year
Westfield transformed the shopping mall’s existing radio system into a fully interactive entertainment platform, turning passive background media into a live, gamified customer experience. Interactive voting allowed customers to identify songs for the chance to win prizes. What a great way of repurposing old kit!
Centre Manager of the Year
Large Venue
Ian Ward has transformed The Broadway into one of the UK’s leading examples of community-focused retail placemaking. As Chair of Bradford BID, Ian has played a leading role in Bradford’s wider regeneration, unlocking a £2.5m investment to support city centre recovery and growth.
Centre Manager of the Year
Medium Venue
The judges were impressed by Angela’s leadership which has delivered significant measurable outcomes for Mill Gate. Operational standards are consistently high, achieving 100% mystery shopper results. Angela’s doing a sterling job!
Highly Commended
George Yard Shopping Centre
Highly Commended
Simon Plumb, Harlequin
Highly Commended
Darren Harman, The Chimes
Centre Manager of the Year
Small Venue
After a long career with a global retailer, Julie went into shopping centre management later in life but her experience has paid off. She brought fresh commercial thinking and a proactive approach to running the shopping village which has achieved stunning results. Julie is a real inspiration.
Marketing Manager
of the Year
During a challenging time for Victoria Square, Lauren led a bold omnichannel marketing strategy that rebuilt trust, re-energised the destination and delivered exceptional commercial results.
Operations Manager
of the Year
Dan is recognised for consistently delivering operational excellence across Merseyway. His proactive leadership, technical expertise and commitment to innovation have become invaluable to the success of the centre.
Highly Commended
Matt Boxall, Wellington Square
Highly Commended
Olivia Telfer, Eldon Square
Highly Commended
Leon Morse, Cribbs
Retail Destination
of the Year
Victoria Square Belfast’s impressive revival after losing high-profile retailers and attracting negative media attention demonstrates what is possible when strategic vision, placemaking and teamwork come together – making it a very worthy winner of Retail Destination of the Year 2026.
Retail Liaison
Award
The Dolphin Poole’s retailer-first liaison practice has turned an empty space into a venue for 315 events a year and put 67 small businesses on a path to a permanent home. What a brilliant achievement!
Security Team
of the Year
The Mall Wood Green’s security team has saved lives, protected colleagues, supported retailers, contributed to wider community safety, and done so with discipline, restraint and humanity – making it a very worthy winner.
Highly Commended
centre:mk
Highly Commended
Frasers Plus Luton
Highly Commended
centre:mk
Silverburn
Sustainability Initiative
of the Year
When coin-operated trolleys were introduced at Castlepoint, the easiest solution would have been to purchase plastic trolley tokens. Instead, the centre worked with a local firm to create Trolley Tokens with Purpose, which transformed discarded bottle tops into reusable trolley tokens. Now that shows some excellent initiative! .
Young Achiever
of the Year
Enya Cox wowed the judges by demonstrating exceptional maturity, leadership and determination in her role as Security and Cleaning Manager at Sovereign Shopping Centre. She wowed her bosses too and within 12 months had progressed to become a Dual Service Manager. Great job Enya!
Highly Commended
Merry Hill
Highly Commended
Annabel Grana, Cribbs
