On Wednesday evening, 11 November 2026, urbanists from across the UK and Europe gathered in London to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Urbanism Awards.

After expert panels assessed the shortlisted candidates over the summer, AoU Members voted to select the winners across four categories: Great Streets + Spaces, Great Neighbourhood, Great Town / Small City, and European City of the Year.

The winners were announced at the Urbanism Awards Party on Wednesday, marking a first in the Awards' history with two joint winners in the Great Streets + Spaces category!

To find out more about the Urbanism Awards programme and selection process, visit theaou.org/awards.

The Great Streets + Places 2026 - Joint Winner

Fort William High Street, Scottish Highlands

Fort William is an exemplar of how a UK high street can thrive in the 21st Century, and how a BID model can nurture a place to realise its potential.
Whilst Fort William serves as an important tourist destination, it successfully balances this with the needs and aspirations of the local community.

Other finalists in this category: Stretford Kingsway, Trafford and Woolwich Town Centre, LB Greenwich

The Great Streets + Spaces 2026 - Joint Winner

Stretford Kingsway, Trafford

A transformed street that puts people first, making walking and cycling easier and more appealing. Stretford Kingsway demonstrates how rethinking our streets can improve everyday journeys and help create more connected, people-friendly places.

The Great Neighbourhood 2026

NOMA, Manchester

An ambitious urban regeneration project showing how a neighbourhood can be shaped by more than its buildings. NOMA brings together public spaces, workplaces, homes and community life, demonstrating the importance of creating a place that people can connect with and make their own.

Other finalists in this category: Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Co. Tipperary

The Great Town/Small City 2026

Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

Gainsborough is breathing new life into its historic heart. From restoring traditional shopfronts and reimagining the Market Place to bringing new uses into historic buildings, the town is reconnecting its heritage with today's needs. A vibrant programme of community-led cultural events is helping turn public spaces into places for people to gather, connect and celebrate.

Other finalists in this category: Ashbourne, Derbyshire and Perth, Perthshire

European City of the Year 2026

Groningen, Netherlands

Groningen offers an inspiring example of how cities can respond to the aspirations of their citizens while shaping more people-friendly urban environments. Its approach to making public spaces free and accessible is a deliberate policy choice that raises important questions about how urban design can influence the way we move, interact and experience our cities.

Other finalists in this category: Prato, Italy and Tirana, Albania

The 2026 Urbanism Awards were supported by