A once-derelict youth centre in Southall has been named the top winner of this year’s Ealing Civic Society Award, in a ceremony celebrating design, regeneration and community projects across the borough.
The Young Adult Centre (YAC) in Southall, saved from demolition by Ealing Young Champions from the Young Ealing Foundation and refurbished by Ealing Council’s Projects Delivery Unit, took the top prize at Tuesday’s (21 October 2025) event at Open Ealing.
Judges praised the project for giving “a much-loved community building a new lease of life” while delivering improved facilities on a limited budget. The revamped centre now includes a gym, ICT and craft rooms, and a training kitchen, following extensive consultation with local youth groups.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “This shows what’s possible when we invest in places that matter. The Young Adult Centre is now a space where young people can feel proud, supported and inspired.
“Just one example of the great work being done at the YAC is its use by local schools for children who might otherwise be excluded. To have an award-winning location for this and other activities for young people is a real asset to the local area.”
The annual awards, established in 1989, recognise architecture and environmental schemes that enhance life in Ealing. The evening included presentations from architect Harbinder Birdi and Ealing Council’s urban design manager, Sarah Cook, who spoke about the borough’s efforts to balance development with heritage.
A Highly Commended award went to Excelsior Studios in Park Royal, part of the Republic of Park Royal initiative, which has transformed disused industrial buildings into creative studios, public art spaces and outdoor galleries. Judges said the project showed how underused sites could be repurposed to strengthen the area’s cultural identity.
The Assyrian Church of the East’s St Mary’s Cathedral, in West Ealing, received a Commended certificate for its restoration of the former St James’ Church. The building, closed since 2018, has been revitalised as the new home of the Assyrian Christian community, with landscaping and access improvements.
Other shortlisted projects included community and residential developments in Acton, South Ealing and Southall.
Ealing Civic Society chair Ann Chapman said this year’s entries reflected a growing recognition that design can help build community as well as shape the built environment. Ms Chapman said: “Good design is about creating a sense of place that people value.”
