The Victoria Centre Recognised with Multiple Awards in 2025

We’re proud to share that 2025 was an exceptional year for The Victoria Centre, with national recognition across environmental leadership, place management, and accessibility.

These awards reflect the hard work of our team and partners, and our continued commitment to creating a centre that serves our community responsibly, inclusively, and with care.

National Gold – 2025 Apple Environment Award

Awarded from 700+ global entries, The Victoria Centre was honoured at the House of Lords in November, taking home the Green Apple Environment Award for the second year running.

This year’s win centred on our Rooftop Staff Allotment and Chill Space, led by Operations Manager Nicola Rudd. What started as a staff wellbeing idea has grown into a working rooftop growing space (yes, it actually produces food) and a calm spot above a busy high street.

But the best part is what it sparked beyond our own roof:

• 100 native trees grown and donated into the community (thanks to Gabrielle at Esquires Coffee securing funding)
• 40 hand-made bird and bug houses built by Helder and gifted to local spaces to support biodiversity
• Donations have gone to places including Greenways School, Project 49, and South Essex Homes

It’s a simple idea that’s turned into something bigger: reducing waste, boosting wellbeing, supporting biodiversity, and giving something tangible back to Southend.

Next up: expanding the allotment, introducing a beehive, and creating Victoria Strawberry Jam using our own strawberries, to donate to breakfast clubs and homeless charities.

Nicola said it best:
“Watching it grow, not just in plants but in people, has been amazing. Sharing it with the community is something we’re all proud of.”

The Bridge – Best Asset Management Initiative 2025

Our meanwhile-use project, The Bridge, has been recognised with the Best Asset Management Initiative 2025 award.

The Bridge was created to breathe new life into vacant units by supporting independent businesses, creatives, and community-led projects. This award recognises the impact of that approach, turning underused space into a thriving hub that supports local enterprise, footfall, and high street regeneration.

It’s a clear example of how thoughtful asset management can deliver real social and economic value.

Loo of the Year Awards 2025 – Diamond Award (with Changing Places)

Accessibility remains a key priority at The Victoria Centre, and we’re proud to have received the Diamond Award at the 2025 Loo of the Year Awards specifically for our Changing Places toilet.

This recognition reflects our commitment to providing dignified, fully accessible facilities for visitors with complex needs. It reinforces a simple belief: accessibility isn’t an added extra, it’s essential.

Why These Awards Matter

Each award reflects a different part of what we’re trying to do at The Victoria Centre, from looking after our environment, to making better use of space, to ensuring everyone can access the centre with dignity and confidence.

They’re the result of practical decisions, committed teams, and partnerships that genuinely care about Southend and the people who use the centre every day.

Keep an eye on our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and announcements.

We’re proud of what’s been achieved across 2025, but more importantly, we see these awards as motivation to keep improving and to keep raising the standard for how the centre supports the local community.