How Paternoster House Won the Heritage Project of the Year Award

We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Paternoster House has won Heritage Project of the Year at the Michelmores Property Awards 2025! This award recognises exceptional dedication to restoring a heritage site with innovation, sustainability, and deep community impact.

Rescuing a Victorian Landmark

Paternoster House was originally built in the 1880s as Exeter’s first department store—a bold, family-run business that introduced the city to its first paternoster lift. For decades it served as a city-centre icon. But by the time we acquired it in mid‑2023, the building had stood empty for over seven years, suffering from water damage, structural degradation, and sadly, becoming a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

Inside those crumbling walls were ghosts of stories—arched windows, roof trusses, and architectural details that whispered of the past. It was obvious to us then: this building had to be saved—and rightly should be celebrated as part of Exeter’s future, not left behind .

Crafting a Vision That Honors History

From Day One our ambition was clear: fully restore the historic character while reimagining the building for modern living. And here’s how we delivered it.

Structural Ballet in the Heart of Exeter

To open up the internal layout, a load-bearing wall that supported nearly 70% of the building’s floors, ceilings, and roof had to be removed. We installed over 400 acrow props to support the structure—an immense engineering feat. With no room for cranes in the city centre, every steel frame and beam had to be manoeuvred by hand, and every delivery and waste removal painstakingly planned to avoid disruption.

A Blend of Craftsmanship and Contemporary Design

As architect Kirkham Board Associates led the design and we at NooKo handled the main contracting and project management, we preserved the sandstone window openings, exposed roof trusses, and classic brickwork. Internally, we introduced 29 apartments—including a penthouse turret flat—along with a gym and  commercial space, all while maintaining the building’s Victorian heritage .

Setting New Standards in Sustainable Urban Regeneration

Renewables & Gas-Free Design

The project exceeds the required 23 kWp solar installation by delivering 35 kWp, significantly reducing future carbon outputs. Every tenant is contractually obliged to opt for renewable electricity, and the development is entirely gas-free.

Waste Reduction & Circular Economy

We reused and upcycled materials wherever possible: reclaimed timber became bespoke furniture, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) cut construction waste significantly. And through our collaboration with Potentia Energy who installed the solar at Paternsoter, the project also supported solar installations in Ghana, expanding our impact from Exeter to West Africa.

Strengthening the Local Community and Economy

From the start, local impact was non‑negotiable.

• Over 100 local tradespeople were employed directly, and many more indirectly through suppliers and contractors, investing in Exeter’s local economy .

   

• Apprenticeship schemes introduced young professionals to heritage restoration skills.
• Once finished, the mix of housing for young professionals, city‑centre flats, and commercial units has helped reactivate empty shops, reduce antisocial behaviour, and attract new energy to North Street and Fore Street areas.

Overcoming Challenges, Learning for Tomorrow

Every significant heritage restoration comes with major hurdles—and we faced ours head-on.

• The load-bearing wall removal and internal reconfiguration posed major structural challenges addressed through precise engineering and coordination.

   

• Confined site access meant we relied on internal lifting methods rather than cranes.
• City-centre logistics demanded meticulous scheduling of deliveries and waste removal in coordination with local authorities—a learning we’ll carry forward.

We also learned valuable lessons around sequencing: installing the final staircase earlier would have accelerated access and prevented delay across 30% of the build. In future projects we’ll adjust that sequencing accordingly.

Doing More Than Winning: What the Award Means

To us, this award recognises more than a job well done—it shines a light on what heritage regeneration can become when done with integrity, vision, and purpose.

• Respectful restoration of Victorian features alongside new living standards.

   

• Sustainability beyond compliance: gas-free, renewable-powered, climate-ready.
• Community impact, from jobs and apprenticeships to revitalised streets and housing stock.
• Technical excellence, under tight logistic and engineering constraints.

Scientific sustainability, skilled craftsmanship, and an unapologetically community-led approach: this is why the judges felt Paternoster House stood out—but we think it’s exactly what Exeter deserves.

What Comes Next?

Continued Heritage Work in Exeter

Our principles are now shaping other major projects, notably the Royal Clarence restoration. As “Team Phoenix” we’re bringing community voices and memories to life through public engagement and sustainable design.

Sharing the Blueprint

We’re proud that this project sets a standard—not just in Exeter but beyond—for how historic urban regeneration can succeed when craftsmanship, sustainability, local investment, and structural ingenuity come together.

In Summary

Paternoster House’s win at the Michelmores Property Awards 2025 celebrates:

• Outstanding heritage rescue and restoration

   

• Sustainable, future‑ready design (35 kWp solar, gas‑free, MMC, biodiversity)
• Deep community impact, apprenticeship-led growth, and economic revival
• Structural complexity met with engineering brilliance and craft
• A project that feels anchored in Exeter’s past while offering pathways to its future

We believe this award isn’t just for us—it’s for everyone who believes in the potential of that building, from residents to partners, planners to contractors.