Liverpool’s showpiece waterfront canal link has secured the Institution of Civil Engineers highest accolade – its North West Merit Award for 2010.
The link was officially opened last March, realising a 200 year old vision to connect the Albert Dock with the North Sea nearly 130 miles to the east, via the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
British Waterways commissioned the multi million pound scheme following a lengthy public consultation over the preferred route dating back to 2002. The selected route directly in front of ‘The Three Graces’ proved to be the overwhelmingly popular choice.
Principal designer for the scheme was Arup, with Balfour Beatty, BAM Nuttall and Pierse Contracting its principal contractors.
British Waterways remained closely involved in the design throughout the project life, while Arup, Liverpool City Council, EDAW/AECOM & 2020 Liverpool oversaw development of the impressive surrounding public realm.
ICE North West Judges were impressed by the high level of co-ordination with adjacent projects like the new museum.
“These were deemed to be vital at a time of intense regeneration activity along the entire Liverpool waterfront. Working groups co-ordinated material deliveries and spoil removal in order to minimise disruption,” says ICE North West Regional Director Alan Butler.
And he pointed to the economic and social benefits the scheme is already delivering, including:
- Visiting boaters able to navigate directly into the heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront, bringing an estimated 4,500 boat trips annually straight into the city;
- 200,000 additional visitors annually, bringing a £1.9m spending boost to the city;
- Improvements to existing waterway infrastructure, including environmental upgrades, resurfaced towpaths and new accessible entrances.
- ICE North West says the historic connection delivered by the scheme has reinvigorated the city’s vibrant South Docks as a tourism and leisure destination.
On the scheme’s physical aspect, ICE’s citation praises the size and shape of its granite copings, walling and parapets as being in keeping with the historic dock detailing contained within the World Heritage Site. ICE North West also endorses the sustainable qualities of the scheme, citing economies in materials and labour as being pivotal to its impact.