ONE of the oldest buildings in Launceston has won a national award for the work which has been done to maintain it for years to come.

Work to repair Merchant House has been recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at the RICS Awards 2026.

The RICS UK Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies. The winning projects at each of the regional awards ceremonies will go on to represent their region at the UK Grand Final on Thursday, October 22.

The grade II* listed building on the Buildings at Risk Register. However, during the first Covid lockdown, a project was launched to bring life back to the site.

The building was suffering from collapse, rot, beetle, failing lead and roofing, and major repairs were needed. Work was required both externally and internally - historic joinery and decorative plaster were found and conserved, wall papers were recorded, floors were secured and access was restored to the upper floors.

As a result of the work, the project was recognised in the heritage category at the award ceremony held on July 23 at Circomedia in Portland Square, Bristol.

Commenting on the awards, UK National Awards chair Kerry Gibbs said: “These Awards shine a spotlight on the most inspiring people, projects and innovations shaping the built and natural environment. creating a powerful platform that elevates the profile of chartered surveying and celebrates its impact on communities nationwide.

“This year we received over 300 entries across all twelve of the RICS regions.

“The Awards are hugely important. They help demonstrate the positive impact that surveyors, as well as buildings, have on individuals and communities. They promote the role of surveying in making those projects a reality.”