susdrain SuDS Awards 2026
This year’s susdrain SuDS Awards were the largest yet, with a record-breaking number of entries – a testament to the growth of both sustainable drainage and nature-based solutions throughout the UK.
The Awards Ceremony, held on 24 June, saw experts from across the country gather in Newcastle to network, share ideas, and learn from some of the country’s leading SuDS initiatives.
We’re thrilled to finally announce this year’s winners, spanning all eight categories. This was an especially competitive Awards, many congratulations to everyone who won a category, was highly commended, or made the shortlist.
susdrain SuDS Awards 2026 category winners
Overall Winner and public buildings winner: Stockport Interchange - EPG (The Environmental Protection Group) and United Utilities
Judges Comments:
Judges noted that the Interchange is a truly stand out project, of a scale and ambition rarely seen in the UK. They also recognised how the project has demonstrated the potential of SuDS when contributing to regeneration and improvements in public spaces.
Watch the video
Welsh Spotlight: The Canal Quarter - AtkinsRealis, Cardiff Council, and Knights Brown
Judges' Comments:
The judges were particularly impressed with the amenity and biodiversity value added by this project, showing how flood mitigation and water quality benefits can be delivered, and bought into, as part of broader regeneration schemes.
Watch the video
Small and Medium Housing: Bryn Awel Threthomas - Caerphilly Homes
Judges' Comments:
Our judges were impressed with the delivery of a functional SuDS management train, incorporating such a wide range of interventions development-wide to capture water at source, and slow the flow of excess rainfall, while removing pollutants along the way. The use of a diverse mix of plants was also recognised to enhance resilience and add to the amenity value of the development.
Watch the video
Urban retrofit (small): The Marylebone Flyover Rain Gardens SuDS - Transport for London, Greater London Authority, Thames Water, Marble Arch BId & Tarmac Kier Joint Venture
Judges' Comments:
The judges applauded this project for its innovation and creativity, showcasing how unlikely infrastructure can be utilised to deliver flood reduction benefits, and to create small pockets of nature and green spaces, even in constrained urban areas.
Watch the video
Urban retrofit (large): Northbrook Park Wetlands - London Borough of Lewisham, Baring Trust, Spring Collective, Thames21, Glendale & Network Rail
Judges' Comments:
The judges called this project "un-engineering" at its finest, demonstrating the value that can be created by retaining water within the landscape. This project was recognised by the judges to have transformed a "grass desert", offering liimited ecological benefit, into a substantially more ecologically diverse area.
Watch the video
Private property: Great Green Bedwyn Raingardens - Action for the River Kennet and Thames Water
Judges' Comments:
The judges noted that while operating on people's private properties presents unique challenges, this project provides a great example of successful engagement to deliver SuDS interventions across different communities.
Watch the video
Industrial & infrastructure: Beaulieu Park Station - Arcadis, Murphy, and Network Rail
Judges' Comments:
The judges were particularly impressed with the levels of engagement with a range of different stakeholders as the project progressed, as well as the efforts being made post completion, hosting site visits and sessions where people can learn about how the SuDS systems work
Watch the video
Judges' Comments:
Catchment-based solutions: Westminster SuDS Masterplan - Westminster City Council
The judges were extremely impressed with the masterplanning for this project, and considered the web portal allowing for project benefits to be tracked was exemplary engagement work.
Watch the video
susdrain SuDS Awards 2026 Highly Commended projects
Urban retrofit small:
St Andrew Undershaft Churchyard, by Growth Industry
Oakham Suite Severn Trent, by Ground Control & Metis
Urban retrofit large:
Bristol Zoo Project, Central African Forest, by Momentum Consulting Engineers, Grant Associates, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios & Bristol Zoological Society
Public buidings:
Sutton Estate Regeneration Civic, by HTA and Clarion & Durkan
Hazelwood School Flood Alleviation Scheme, by Enfield Council
Industrial & infrastructure:
Afon Court by HC Capel and Sons Ltd
SuDS through Streetworks Market (pilot phase), by Thames Water, Greater London Authority, Merton Council, Croydon Council, JDT, Meristem, FM Conway, Project Centre, SGN & Forefront Utilities
Catchment-based solutions:
Blackpool Street Trees by United Utilities, Blackpool Council & GreenBlue Urban
We’ll be sharing more on the awards, and the showcased projects, over the coming weeks. Many thanks to our partners, supporters, judges, and entrants for helping us deliver the best susdrain SuDS Awards yet. And special thanks to Newcastle University for hosting us.