National Botanic Garden of Wales wins second major prize in civil engineering

The Regency Restoration Project, National Botanic Garden of Wales, won the top 2021 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE Wales Cymru) Awards.

This is in addition to the ICE People’s Choice Award won earlier this fall. While the top prize was voted on by the public, that award is judged by a panel of ICE civil engineers who in this case took into account how the industry gives back to the community.

The awards are presented annually and recognize teams and individuals who have completed some of the best civil engineering projects and achievements across the country. This year an exceptionally wide range of applications were received, ranging from a £ 21million school building project to a £ 650,000 flood protection program.

The Regency Restoration Project, National Botanic Garden of Wales, won the Alun Griffiths Award for Community Engagement. This award recognizes the civil engineering industry in Wales and the work undertaken to engage with local communities while improving infrastructure and / or services.

Regency Restoration Project, National Botanic Garden of Wales

There were a number of nominations for this award, but the judges made it clear that the restoration of the Regency Garden at the National Botanic Garden of Wales was the worthy winner. They took into account the attention to care and attention to detail that has been demonstrated in delicate restoration. The result is a remarkable collection of lakes, waterfalls, waterfalls, springs, public baths, bridges and swimming pools for the enjoyment of the community and a wider audience.

The successful management of a project like this required a dedicated team of specialists working closely together, as well as the many volunteers from the local community. Local historians, environmentalists, archaeologists, architects, civil, structural, geotechnical and hydraulic engineers worked with environmentally conscious contractors, WM Longreach, to compassionately restore the landscape.

A total of fifteen projects were shortlisted across Wales and shortlisted for an award after a year in which civil engineers fought to overcome the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, keeping the work of complex infrastructure on track or implementing emergency programs at breakneck speed.

Young engineers representing future talent in Wales were also recognized at the awards ceremony. Liam Stuckey, Civil Engineering Apprentice at Arcadis, Cardiff won the Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by the South Wales Institute of Engineers Educational Trust (SWIEET). Luke Cook, Atkins, won the STEMM Ambassador of the Year award. Robert Varley, ARUP, won both the Paterson Award for best Welsh candidate in the final written exams of the former Institution of Municipal Engineers and the Ben Barr Award for demonstrating excellence in their understanding of the construction process , in particular in relating design to construction, presentation of engineering principles, application of planning and programming methods and organizational skills.

Keith Jones, Director of ICE Wales Cymru, said:

“This year’s competition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in tackling many unknowns as the pandemic continues. Sustainability and communities seem to be the backbone of many entries, which can only bode well for the future. Our awards are a tribute to civil engineers across the country. We congratulate the winners and thank all the participants ”.

Full details of all shortlisted projects and award sponsors are available at www.ice.org.uk/walescymru/awards