USL tower project at Christ Church Kensington named NFB award finalist

Universal Stone Ltd (USL) are proud to announce that they have been shortlisted for the NFB Construction Awards of Excellence 2026, under the category of Remarkable Renovation and Restoration / Heritage and Conservation Project.

Hosted by the National Federation of Builders, these awards recognise outstanding achievement across the UK construction industry and are judged independently by an expert panel. Being shortlisted is a significant honour and reflects the dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration that define their work.

Christ Church: Stonework Repairs to the Tower & Spire, and Chancel Gable, represents a project of both technical complexity and community importance. Completed in March 2026, this 52-week programme formed part of the “Save the Tower” initiative, with Universal Stone Ltd acting as Principal Contractor.

Working in close partnership with the PCC of Christ Church and Art Architects, the project involved urgent spire stabilisation, detailed masonry repairs, and the careful replacement of stone elements on this prominent Victorian landmark. Every stage of the works was carried out with a strong commitment to conservation principles, ensuring the historic integrity of the building was preserved.

Beyond the technical achievements, the restoration has delivered lasting value to the local community. The works have safeguarded the structure, improved safe access to the surrounding grounds, and ensured that Christ Church can continue to serve as a place of worship, gathering, and heritage for generations to come.

At Universal Stone Ltd, they believe that heritage restoration is about more than preserving buildings - it is about protecting stories, identity and community connections. This recognition by the National Federation of Builders highlights the importance of specialist craftsmanship and collaborative delivery in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes.

USL have extend their thanks to their project partners, skilled teams and the Christ Church community for their trust and support throughout this journey. They look forward to celebrating alongside their peers at the awards ceremony in Birmingham.

Click here to read more about this exciting project.

For further information on Universal Stone Ltd visit their website at universalstone.co.uk