A huge apartments block in Peterborough has won a prestigious award for the innovative way it has been built.

The nine-storey Indigo development in Northminster, which provides 315 apartments of various sizes, has been named winner of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ East of England Residential Development award 2026.

Judges say the award was for the innovation, commitment and dedication that went into the project.

The development was commended for its use of modern construction techniques, such as light gauge steel framing and off-site manufacturing.

The award-winning Indigo apartments block in Peterborough

placeholder image — The award-winning Indigo apartments block in Peterborough

These saw construction times reduced by about 20 to 30 percent compared to traditional methods.

The judges said the quality of the methods had benefitted Indigo’s residents by helping to reduce energy bills as a result of the high environmental performance of the homes.

The apartments have been built for Peterborough housing association Cross Keys Homes.

Claire Higgins. chief executive of Cross Keys Homes, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award.

From left, Willmott Dixon’s Construction Manager, Nick Johnstone, Drees & Sommer’s Senior Quantity Surveyor, David Pearson, CKH Director, Lynda Murawski and Drees & Sommer’s Divisional Director, Stuart Carter with the RICS award.

Completion of second phase of £70 million Indigo apartments in Peterborough

“Indigo was a mammoth two-and-a-half-year project which required a huge team effort with many teams from across the business working together to help complete the properties along with Willmott Dixon, and Drees & Sommer UK.

"It is therefore extremely rewarding to see that our homes at Indigo have not only proven to be popular with the people who need them but have also been recognised as a great example of an effective, environmentally sustainable modern development.”

Indigo, which was built jointly with Willmott Dixon, and property consultants, Drees & Sommer UK, was completed 18 months ago.

Stuart Carter, UK divisional director of Drees & Sommer, said: “We are delighted to see Indigo recognised with a RICS Residential Development Award.

"It has been a privilege to support Cross Keys Homes in delivering this landmark development, and the award reflects the commitment, collaboration and innovation shown by everyone involved in creating high-quality, affordable homes for Peterborough."

Dan Doyle, director of Willmott Dixon, said: “Indigo is a brilliant example of how strong collaboration, innovative construction methods, and a shared commitment to sustainability can deliver high-quality, affordable homes that make a lasting difference to communities.”