A south London borough has taken the spotlight this year, earning top honours for its standout youth initiatives and community-driven development.

Londoners love a borough ranking, and recent lists have sparked plenty of debate — with Richmond-upon-Thames and Islington both claiming wins in different surveys. But a new title has just been awarded, and this time it comes from the New London Architecture (NLA) Awards, which has revealed its very first ‘Borough of the Year’.

Unlike general rankings that weigh everything from restaurant quality to green space and safety, the NLA accolade looks specifically at how local councils are shaping their areas through new projects and regeneration work. Supported by Mayor Sadiq Khan, the awards shine a light on schemes that help London become more sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused. Key themes include affordable housing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and improvements to public spaces.

Lambeth takes the crown.

For 2025, Lambeth secured the top spot. In its award submission, the borough showcased several major initiatives: the SC1 health and life sciences hub on the South Bank, a billion-pound programme to deliver new homes, and ambitious plans for the long-term transformation of Waterloo station and its surrounding neighbourhood.

Lambeth also picked up another major award — Brixton Recreation Centre and Public Realm was recognised as London’s best cultural project of the year. Judges praised its extensive upgrade, which introduced fresh workspaces, improved lighting, and updated signage while respecting the site’s heritage as a pivotal community venue.

Photo: unsplash.com/@alevtakil

Why Lambeth won

According to NLA’s judging panel, the borough stood out thanks to its strong emphasis on people-first planning and deep engagement with residents. They noted that Lambeth’s youth initiatives and community-led programmes reflect genuine collaboration and a clear commitment to addressing local priorities.

Council leader Claire Holland celebrated the win, emphasising that the award recognises the borough’s dedication to involving residents in shaping its future. She described Lambeth as an ambitious, fast-evolving area focused on inclusive growth — ensuring that new homes, infrastructure, jobs, and environmental improvements benefit all who live there.