DPP Planning Wins ‘Best Project’ at RTPI North East Awards for Fourth Year Running
The Newcastle office for DPP Planning has won the ‘Best Project’ award at the RTPI NE Awards, marking the fourth year in a row it has scooped the accolade.
DPP Planning, an independent planning consultancy with offices nationwide, was presented with the award last Friday (26th June), continuing a four-year streak of success in the category.
This year, DPP received the award for its contribution to Blyth Market Pavilion, a landmark cultural project which was developed for Northumberland County Council, with FaulknerBrowns as lead architect and project managed by Advance Northumberland.
The project is part of a £90 million regeneration programme called ‘Energising Blyth’, which aims to provide new cultural, education, leisure and residential spaces, while boosting Blyth’s renewable energy industry. It was built by Kier Construction using advanced construction methods and modelling software.
The judges described the pavilion as “an outstanding regeneration project which has enhanced Blyth town centre” and “a major achievement in terms of investment in Blyth and creating a community asset which people really want to use”. The project was also praised for providing Blyth with a lasting cultural asset supporting commercial growth.
In previous years, DPP Planning won the award for its work on Berwick Sports & Leisure Centre (2023), Morpeth Leisure Centre (2024) and the Riverside Sunderland Regeneration Maker & Faber Offices and Wear Footbridge (2025).
DPP’s involvement in bringing Blyth Market Pavilion to fruition has been recognised on several occasions over recent months. It was previously shortlisted for an Integration and Collaborative Working award at the Constructing Excellence North East Awards, and for Commercial Development of the Year in the Insider North East Property Awards 2026.
Gareth Hooper, Chief Executive Officer at DPP Planning, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the Newcastle team for again taking home the Best Project award at the RTPI North East Awards. Winning the award four years in a row is a simply phenomenal achievement and a testament to the consistently fantastic work being delivered by our talented team over recent years.
“As well as claiming this award, the team’s work on Blyth Market Pavilion has also been shortlisted numerous times over recent months, demonstrating just how successful the scheme has been. Well done again to all of those involved, it’s great to see your hard work being recognised.”
More information about DPP Planning and the award can be found on DPP’s website.
