Westgate One, Abbott Construction’s student accommodation development in central Canterbury, is enjoying a highly successful year, earning multiple award finalist and shortlist positions while reaching a significant project completion milestone.

 Multiple awards recognition

Westgate One Project has been named a finalist in two separate regional award programmes this year. The scheme has reached the finals of the Constructing Excellence London and South East Awards 2026 in the Residential Project of the Year category, and was also shortlisted as a finalist for Best Construction Project at the South East Construction Awards 2026.

The project's design credentials have also been recognised by the industry: Westgate One made the shortlist for the RICS South East Regional Awards in the Residential Development category, and secured the win for Best Architectural Project at the South East Construction Awards.

Together, these nominations and wins reflect the scale, complexity and quality of the scheme, and reinforce Abbott's consistently high standards on major residential projects.

Completing the final phase

This recognition comes on the back of a significant construction milestone: the completion of the Freeman building, the final and most complex phase of the multi-block Westgate One development. Having maintained programme discipline since work began in 2020, the Freeman building was finished on schedule, ready to welcome students for the 2025/2026 academic year.

A collaborative achievement

None of this would have been possible without strong partnerships throughout the project to deliver the scheme on time and to a high standard.

The completion doesn't just mark the end of construction at Westgate One, it's the culmination of a proud, multi-year effort to create a vibrant, sustainable student community in the heart of Canterbury, and a fitting foundation for the recognition the project has earned this year.

About Abbott Construction

Abbott Construction is a Kent-based construction company with a history stretching back to 1947, working with developers and architects across the region to deliver high-quality buildings for communities, education, healthcare and residential developments.