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Top performing projects and individuals recognised at Yorkshire and Humber’s annual awards

Date
09 February 2024

Held annually, the awards showcase the work done by civil engineers from across the region over the past two years.

Top performing projects and individuals recognised at Yorkshire and Humber’s annual awards
The Smeaton, Centenary and Net Zero Awards.

Top civil engineering projects from Yorkshire and Humber have been awarded for their excellence at the region’s 69th annual awards.

Some of the award-winning projects included a pedestrian and cyclist bridge, a dual carriageway widening scheme and sewage treatment works.

The annual gala dinner and awards ceremony took place at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate on Thursday 8 February.

It saw 11 shortlisted projects in the running to win the Net Zero Award, Smeaton Award (projects under £5 million) and Centenary Award (projects over £5 million).

The STEM Ambassador of the Year Award, which celebrates those who aim to inspire young people to join the profession, was also presented.

The chair’s chosen charity for this year’s dinner and awards was Bowel Cancer UK.

Yorkshire and Humber Net Zero Award

The winner of the Net Zero Award was Esholt Sewage Treatment Works, delivered by Mott MacDonald Bentley, Yorkshire Water, Hyperion and Tarmac.

The judges said the project demonstrated an excellent commitment to net zero, reducing its embodied carbon by two thirds.

The project followed the principles of build nothing, build less, build clever and build efficiently.

The judges were impressed that the project repurposed existing infrastructure, used precast standardised solutions and eliminated structures through clever collaborative design.

Smeaton Award

The hotly contested Smeaton Award went to David Oluwale pedestrian and cyclist bridge in Leeds, spanning the River Aire.

The bridge was delivered by Leeds City Council, Mott MacDonald, BAM Nuttall and SH Structures.

The project brought together technical excellence in design and construction, aesthetic appearance and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion from the outset.

Extensive consultation with interested parties, including user groups, helped to inform the final design and obtain community buy-in.

Certificate of Excellence

The flood resilience scheme in Rosmead Street, Hull was presented with a certificate of excellence.

The judges commended this project for effectively dealing with complex logistics and ensuring community engagement at all stages of the project.

It was delivered by Living with Water (Yorkshire Water), Alan Wood and Partners and Morrison Water Services (MWS).

Certificates of Commendation

  • Empire Mills Wash Wall Repair
  • Gouthwaite Reservoir Siphon
  • NOC 23 Culvert Replacement

The Smeaton Award is sponsored by Waterman Aspen.

Centenary Award

The winner of the Centenary Award was the A630 Parkway Widening.

It was delivered by Rotherham Metropolitan Council, WSP, Balfour Beatty, National Highways, the Environment Agency, Sheffield Council, South Yorkshire Police and K. Rouse Ltd.

The Centenary Award is presented to a project that has put the local community at its heart while delivering to almost impossible deadlines.

The judges were impressed with the approach to engaging with the local community and seeking to understand concerns before finalising design decisions.

It was clear that the whole team was fully integrated from the very start, with a common goal driving the project.

Certificate of Excellence

A certificate of excellence was presented to Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme (RRFAS) – Phase 2A.

This project successfully overcame the technical and logistical challenges of a highly constrained site.

It delivered a high-quality scheme, promoting biodiversity and contributing to the regeneration of the town.

The scheme was delivered by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Pell Frischmann, Jackson Civil Engineering, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, ERDF, Urban Canvas, the Environment Agency, Network Rail, CRT and ECUS.

STEM Ambassador of the Year Award

The Yorkshire and Humber STEM Ambassador of the Year was Sharon Strugnell.

The judges were particularly impressed with Strugnell's drive to encourage others to become involved in STEM outreach including involvement in podcasts and conferences.

Highly Commended

Amy Stevenson was highly commended for her work in developing a board game for use in schools.

ICE President Special Recognition Awards

  • Duncan Froggatt
  • Ian Boocock
  • Victoria Barbour-Smith

CDM Recruitment sponsored the 2024 Robert Stephenson Awards.

  • Joanne Stephenson, communications lead at ICE