Bradford, Cardiff, York and Plymouth have been shortlisted for Building Design’s UK Design Capital of the Year 2026 award, part of the Architect of the Year Awards, recognising cities leading the way in architecture, placemaking and regeneration.

Now in its second year, the award spotlights the ambition of cities across the UK each year, looking beyond individual buildings to celebrate communities where strategic ambition is shaping their built environment, from carefully crafted planning policies to bold urban interventions.

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