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News • August 6th, 2026
|Watson Batty Architects, a well-known architectural practice based in Leeds and Loughborough, is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 50th anniversary. The firm has announced a strong performance for the financial year, finishing 19% ahead of its target. This achievement is particularly impressive given the economic challenges faced over the past year, with the company reporting a turnover of £3.72 million—over £350,000 higher than the previous year.
Strong Performance Across Sectors
The success of Watson Batty Architects can be attributed to its focus on four main sectors, each supported by dedicated teams of experts. These sectors have not only helped the firm grow but have also allowed it to take on exciting and impactful projects.
- Living Sector: This area generated a strong pipeline of work, finishing 13% ahead of target. Notable contracts include the Springfield Vale Care Home in Barnsley for Exemplar Health Care and a 72-home development at Spa Gardens in County Durham for Wharfedale Homes.
- Education: Accounting for more than a third of the total turnover, this sector outperformed expectations by 24%. Key projects in this area included the Willowfield SEN School in Hull, Oulton Secondary School in Leeds, and a new SEN school in Market Harborough.
- Leisure: The fastest-growing sector for Watson Batty, leisure expanded by over 50% this year. The firm is recognised for its work on significant public sector projects, including a new £2.3 million sports hall for Leicester Grammar School Trust and the Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre for Sheffield City Council.
- Commercial/Industrial: Despite a slower market, this sector met its targets largely due to ongoing projects with established clients like Royal Mail and Wm Morrison Supermarkets. Additionally, new projects from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Justice have bolstered this area. Watson Batty has also been appointed to develop a new commercial and office space for Zuka at One Lakeside in Doncaster.
Leadership Insights
Robert Jagger, the Managing Director at Watson Batty Architects, expressed his pride in the firm’s achievements. He stated, “We are delighted to report a record performance for the practice over the last 12 months which is particularly poignant as we celebrate 50 years in practice. Longevity, reputation, trust and adaptability are the cornerstones to our continued success, and we are proud to maintain long standing relationships with our clients and supply chain.” Jagger highlighted that a balanced portfolio across various industry sectors has been essential for sustaining growth. He added, “We remain committed to investing in our team and technical capabilities to stay at the forefront of architectural design.” Looking ahead, Watson Batty Architects has made a strong start to the new financial year, with a secured pipeline already reaching £2.8 million, which represents 88% of their annual target.
A Look at the Team and Projects
With a team of nearly 40 professionals, Watson Batty Architects has built a reputation for delivering major projects across both public and private sectors. Their portfolio includes schools, universities, sports and leisure facilities, distribution centres, commercial spaces, residential developments, and transport hubs. Clients of the firm include notable names such as Algeco, AtkinsRealis, Vistry, Verity & Co, Exemplar Health Care, Royal Mail Group, and many others. The practice is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation of architects by participating in the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme in partnership with Loughborough University and Leeds Beckett University.
