Project that turned ‘nays’ into ‘yeas’ wins big at ICE South West Awards 2025

A reservoir project’s ability to turn a resistant community into an active supporter base has won it a top prize at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2025.

The Gooseum Rhyne Reservoir near Bristol was chosen for this year’s Collaboration Award due to the team’s commitment to work closely with a range of organisations, communities and volunteers.

Engaging with local residents, politicians and media helped the project team transform the initial plan into something the community could get behind.

Originally, the project entailed a two-year engineering scheme to meet statutory safety improvements.

But faced with rising costs and environmental concerns, the team pursued a creative alternative: legally deregulating the reservoir by reducing its storage capacity.

This change saved £8m and 98% of capital carbon while significantly reducing future maintenance needs. It also preserved the much-loved village green.

Across the 10 categories presented at the awards on Thursday 23 October, all winning projects showcased a high standard of community engagement. 

Community and People’s Choice Awards

This year, the Bristol Temple Meads Eastern Entrance won the public vote to receive the People’s Choice Award.

This project saw the design and construction of a new, accessible entrance to Bristol’s main national train station as part of the wider regeneration of the city’s Temple Quarter.

Also recognised in the Community Award category, the judges described this project as “thoughtful” in its approach to inclusive design and maintaining full operation to minimise disruption for passengers.

Over £10m New Build Award

The judges awarded Ashley Down Railway Station in Bristol with the Over £10m New Build Award.

This project delivered the second new train station to the Bristol area in almost a century, focusing on accessibility and transforming connectivity for an entire community.

It forms part of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s £350m MetroWest programme.

The judges noted the positive engagement that the project team maintained with the public and partners, calling it “a truly inspiring example of civil engineering at one with its community”.

Under £10m New Build Award

Sweet Violets Bridge and Link Road in Dawlish, Devon was awarded the £10m New Build Award. Special recognition was given to the project name’s connection to the area’s history of growing violets commercially.

The judges noted the project’s overall sensitivity to the local area, designed to blend into the landscape while incorporating simple design features and locally matched stone.

The team was also commended on their engagement with developers, local authorities, and residents to deliver the project under budget and on time, reducing congestion and connecting communities.

Over £10m Re-engineered Award

The Over £10m Re-engineered Award was presented to the Dawlish to Holcombe Cliff Stabilisation project in Devon.

The judges were struck by the scale and complexity of the challenges associated with this project, which was essential to stabilise this major section of the Southwest’s rail network.

The project team was working with unstable, sheer cliff faces up to 40km high during one of the wettest winters on record.

They needed to install over 6,200 soil nails, which were impacted by the cost of inflation. The team ended up developing their own mixed-material nails using lighter elements.

All of this was done without disrupting rail services.

The judges said that the project “not only delivers resilience and a solution to an immediate need, but it also offers a pioneering approach that has to potential to influence similar projects across the country”.

Under £10m Re-engineered Award

The B4069 Lyneham Banks project in Wiltshire won this year’s Under £10m Re-engineered Award.

The scheme to repair the road following a landslip in 2022 was celebrated for its ability to adapt to changing conditions and its compassionate engagement with local residents.

The judges made note of the team’s swift response to community enquiries and consistent updates throughout the project, delivering exceptional social value relative to the scheme’s size.

Resilience Award

This year’s Resilience Award was given to the Hengistbury Head Long Groyne update in Dorset.

During their site visit, the judges highlighted the extensive challenges posed to the team by the nature of the project and its surroundings.

The already complex task of rebuilding a 20th century groyne was compounded by the natural and historical significance of the surrounding area.

The zone is home to a series of protected habitats, including saltmarsh, heathland and sand dunes. It supports over 500 plant species and 300 bird species.

Working closely with stakeholders, community groups, and specialist ecological and archaeological agencies helped the project team deliver this coastal resilience scheme early and under budget.

Showcase Award

The A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dualling scheme in Somerset received this year’s Showcase Award.

The judges described the project as “representing the very best of infrastructure delivery in the South West”.

They also noted the team’s significant effort to minimise disruption and safeguard public safety using smart solutions, such as building a temporary haul road and bridge.

Judge’s Special Award

The judges chose to honour the Truro Tidal Gates in Cornwall with their own Special Award.

The new gates aim to protect the city from tidal flooding for the next 30 years.

The team worked closely with local residents, businesses and the Harbour Master from the start. This, alongside avoiding high tides, helped the project run smoothly.

Individual Awards

Unsung Hero Award

Phillip Turnbull’s contribution to the Lopwell Eel Screening project in Devon deserved special recognition.

After the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the project, timely delivery was crucial. The team’s relationship with the neighbouring landowner played a key role in the project’s progress.

Turnbull, who is a fisheries lead advisor for South West Water, took responsibility for this relationship, fostering a strong, compassionate relationship with the landowner.

He provided space for their concern, adapting the project where necessary.

The judges thought that Turnbull’s sensitive approach served to remind us all that human touches like a cup of tea and a chat can make all the difference.

Apprentice of the Year

Erin Baker stood out for her passionate work ethic and willingness to step forward to ensure that projects serve the best interests of the community.

Baker, who works for Stantec, has played a major role in active travel projects over the course of her apprenticeship. She has even challenged senior colleagues to ensure that design decisions are right for everyone.

Graduate of the Year

The judges described Benedict Olori as a “clear winner” for this award for his commitment to using civil engineering to change people’s lives.

Through his early career, Olori has been dedicated to sharing knowledge gained from his work on Hinkley Point C for the Kier BAM Joint Venture.

During this time, he has built a community for engineers to share their experience for the benefit of others.

Find out more about this year's winners

The awards were held in association with Kier BAM.