The award, made by the British Councils of Shopping Centres, was presented to Peterborough Garden Park chairman Gordon Edington by comedian Rory Bremner at Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Judges commented on the innovative nature of the Garden Park which combines garden centre Van Hage’s ‘crystal palace’ building with a mix of lifestyle retailers, including Andronicas World of Coffee, Bedeck, Cotswold Outdoor, Cotton Traders, HobbyCraft Le Creuest, Maidenhead, Aquatics, Past Time, PBC Books and Pets Corner.
Edington said: "Obviously we’re delighted to win such an important award. We knew Peterborough Garden Park was going to be something special when we developed the concept and it’s great that the industry agrees with us and has recognised our hard work in bringing it to fruition.
"The People of Peterborough have taken us to their hearts and we’re attracting visitors from far and wide so we must be doing something right."
The Park fought off competition in the category from centres including The Avenue at The Mall in Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, The Beehive Centre in Cambridge, Pool Retail and Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Retail and Security Redevelopment.
Judges, who crowned it winner in the category of out-of-town retail scheme, said: "Of the strong line-up of contestants, the jury decided this year’s award should go to an innovative scheme, showing an evolution of traditional concept which the jury felt hard long-term relevance to a change of demographic and lifestyle in the UK."
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