Three of the seven awards made at the Institution of Civil Engineers' annual Robert Stephenson awards this week which celebrate the top civil engineering projects from across the North East were for flood protection schemes.
The Robert Stephenson Awards, now in their 30th year recognise civil engineering excellence in the North East.
Ten shortlisted projects competed for the Large Project, Medium Project and Small Project Robert Stephenson Award.
This year’s three award-winning flood schemes are:
Small Project Category Robert Stephenson Award Winner (projects under £1m)
Coatham Woods Natural Flood Management Scheme
Coatham Woods Natural Flood Management Scheme was awarded best Small Project.
The scheme comprises three storage basins and embankments to hold flood water and provide a reduction in flood risk to residents of Stockton. The storage ponds fill naturally from Coatham Beck through open channels and the basins hold 12,000m3 of flood water.
The project team included Environment Agency, Arup, Tees Rivers Trust and Ebsford Environmental.
The judges said:
“The Coatham Woods Natural Flood Management Scheme is a unique and innovative project utilising the principles of natural flood management, creating 30ha of new wetland habitat, and helping protect homes in Stockton-On-Tees that have suffered repeated flooding.”
Medium Project Category Robert Stephenson Award Winner (projects between £1 and £5m)
Chester le Street Flood Alleviation Scheme
Chester le Street Flood Alleviation Scheme won the medium category award.
Chester-le-Street has a long history of flooding and in June 2012, more than 100 homes and businesses at the northern end of the town were affected by floodwaters. Durham County Council started working together with the Environment Agency to come up with a solution. The solution was to deliver the Chester-le-Street Flood Alleviation Scheme, which involved three phases of work in the heart of the town centre.
The project team included Durham County Council, Pell Frischmann and Esh Civils.
The judges said:
“This hidden part of the infrastructure of Chester-le-Street has been opened up to provide a ‘park-like’ feel to the town centre, whilst providing well needed flood protection to homes and businesses.
The judges said they were impressed with the project team’s collaborative working to develop and construct the proposals (including significant areas of habitat creation) in constrained working area. In addition, they noted the “close working relationship with local residents and businesses was key to ensuring that the longer-term benefits to the community will last for future generations.”
Medium Project Category Robert Stephenson Award - Highly Commended
Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme
Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme, was presented with a Highly Commended Award in the medium project category.
The Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme is a vital investment in reducing flood risk in Middlesbrough and will provide protection to 485 properties. This is achieved using new and raised flood defence walls, flood storage bunds and other interventions.
The project team included Environment Agency, Mott Macdonald/Bam Nuttall joint venture and Turner and Townsend.
The judges said they liked how BIM had been used in the decision-making process by visually demonstrating the options to key stakeholders. The sustainability, environmental and community benefits built into the proposals were recognised by the judges, as was the significant reduction of properties at risk of flooding as a result of the scheme.
Other awards were made to:
Large Project Category Robert Stephenson Award Winner (projects over £5m)
The Catalyst - a “ground-breaking, architecturally striking facility” with a distinctive dia-grid, home to the UK’s National Innovation Centres for both Ageing and Data.
Large Project Category Robert Stephenson Award - Highly Commended
Newcastle University Sports Centre - a 4500m2 sports, research and teaching facility
Special 30th Anniversary Robert Stephenson Award Winner
Northern Spire- a landmark bridge dominating Sunderland’s skyline and central to a strategic road linking the A19 to Sunderland city centre and Port of Sunderland.
STEM Ambassador of the Year Award sponsored by ESH Civils was awarded to Paula McMahon from Sir Robert McAlpine.
Commenting on the awards, Chair of the Robert Stephenson Awards judging panel, Derek Smith, commented:
“This is the 30th year of the Robert Stephenson Awards, and I have to say that the entries this year have been as good as any received over that time. Entries have covered all aspects of civil engineering, both small and large, and are a testament to the great work being carried out across the North East, raising the profile of the profession.
“Despite the pandemic, we have completed some great projects and I would like to thank the thousands of civil engineers who have worked so hard to design, build and maintain the infrastructure we all rely on.”