The ‘Flat Holm: A Walk Through Time’ project has won two awards at the 2026 Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards, recognising its work to restore and protect one of Wales’ most historically significant islands.
The project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside investment from Cardiff Council, which owns the island, was delivered by Cardiff Harbour Authority, Knox & Wells, WSP and CMS Group. It secured both the Building Project of the Year (under £5m) award and the Regeneration & Conservation Award.
The multi million pound project also received in kind support from partner organisations including the Flat Holm Society and RSPB Cymru.
The restoration has seen the Grade II listed foghorn station restored, the historic cholera hospital stabilised and improvements made to the island’s Victorian water systems. It has also delivered initiatives to improve habitats for the island’s colony of lesser black backed gulls, alongside new island trails, digital content and public art designed to encourage visitors and bring island life to the mainland.
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Winning two national awards is a fantastic recognition of the partnership working, expertise and dedication that has gone into protecting Flat Holm island’s unique history and opening up its fascinating stories to new audiences.”
Knox & Wells Managing Director, Mike Baynham, said: “We are extremely pleased to see the restoration work delivered on Flat Holm Island receive such praise and recognition. Flat Holm is one of the most uniquely challenging projects that we have ever undertaken, with the island’s remote location presenting logistical challenges far beyond any ordinary construction site. The project would not have been possible without the collaborative effort and passion of the entire team, who have taken immense pride in being part of this latest chapter of the island’s history.”
Project Manager for Flat Holm, Technical Director, WSP UK and Ireland, Richard Wilks, said: “Restoring these two iconic buildings on Flat Holm demanded strong teamwork and precise planning. We’re proud to have supported Cardiff Council in revitalising these integral pieces of the island’s story, so people can continue to experience its intriguing and unique history.”
Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Andrew White, said: “Flat Holm is a unique place with a remarkable history and these awards are a testament to the vision and dedication behind the project. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project has protected important heritage, enhanced the island’s natural environment and created new opportunities for people to experience and connect with its stories, both on and off the island. It’s fantastic to see this work recognised at a national level.”
Located approximately five miles off the Cardiff coast in the Bristol Channel, Flat Holm (Ynys Echni) is the most southerly point of Wales and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and local nature reserve with internationally important wildlife.
Despite its small size, the island has played a remarkable role in history. It was the site of the first successful wireless signal sent across open water in 1897, it housed a Victorian cholera isolation hospital and formed part of the UK’s coastal defences during both Victorian times and the Second World War.
Today, it is home to an important seabird colony, rare flora and fauna, as well as historic features including its iconic lighthouse, first built in 1737 to guide ships through the busy Bristol Channel.
