LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024 winner: Best Partnership with a Local Authority Building Control Team

The LABC Grand Finals 2024 took place on Friday 24 January 2025, at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel. A celebration recognising excellent projects and individual contributions within the construction industry.

A panel of expert judges carefully reviewed a diverse range of exceptional projects, professionals, and teams, recognising their invaluable contributions to the industry.

The LABC Building Excellence Awards highlight the key role of public sector building control teams in ensuring the safety, quality, and sustainability of construction projects, showcasing the sector’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

LABC is delighted to announce that the WINNER of Best Partnership with a Local Authority Building Control Team is Chester Zoo with Cheshire West & Chester Council.

Chester Zoo and Cheshire West & Cheshire Council building control have worked together for many years to create safe, unique spaces within the Zoo, including restaurants, cafes, event spaces, educational facilities, and staff amenities. The guidance from Clive Heale, Managing Surveyor at Cheshire West & Chester Council Building Control, has been invaluable. Before construction of The Square project, Clive reviewed plans to help the Zoo avoid design errors and ensure compliance with building regulations, also making regular site visits to offer advice on any issues. As a result, Chester Zoo now has a well-preserved building that serves as a popular events and wedding venue, while retaining its original character as a stable block to a Victorian country house.

The team from Cheshire West and Chester Council have played a key role in guiding the Zoo through design and compliance, helping to avoid design errors and ensuring building regulations were met. Thanks to timely support from building control, the project was completed in time to support the Zoo's vital conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, LABC remains committed to working together to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality in construction, continuing to drive progress and excellence across the sector.