The Architects Journal has announced the final shortlist for this year’s AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards, and Sherborne House, designed by SPASE Architects, has been listed in the Positive Addition (£2 million and over) category.

Their careful restoration of this Grade I Listed Georgian building has transformed it into a forward-thinking arts centre. The Sherborne is one of the newest cultural venues in the UK and has the potential to be recognised as an exemplary cultural philanthropy project, made possible by the extraordinary vision and generous support of Michael and Sally Cannon.

Led by SPASE, the project combined expert heritage conservation with a sensitive architectural response, celebrating local craftsmanship, sustainable timber construction, and historical details, including the Medieval wing and interiors attributed to Sir James Thornhill.

The AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards celebrate architectural excellence in the renewal and repurposing of existing buildings. The awards feature 16 categories, emphasising the reuse of materials and structures. The final four categories to be announced are: Fit-out, Positive Addition (up to £2 million), Positive Addition (£2 million and over), and Retrofit Revisited.

Winners will be revealed on September 10, 2025, at The Brewery in London.

You can read more about the project here.