The project is a landmark conservation initiative that used waste from Crossrail tunnelling to create flood protection and a wetland habitat. Last year it also won an Exceptional Merit (the highest attainable award) in ICE’s East of England Merit Awards.
First place went to the Forth Road Bridge reopening in Scotland and the runner up was Harlech Castle visitor centre and footbridge in Wales.
Wallasea Island was one of 12 nominations from across the UK that have improved people’s lives – protecting homes and businesses from flooding, improving the environment and helping us get from A to B faster and more safely. Other entries included station improvements in Birmingham and Manchester and a 21st Century sewer network for London.
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, presented the Forth Road Bridge winners, Transport Scotland and Amey, with the new trophy at a ceremony at ICE’s UK headquarters in Westminster. Sir John Armitt, Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission and ICE Past President also attended.
ICE Director for the East of England, Glen Owen said: “Civil engineers help bring clean water and energy to our homes and design, build and maintain the vital transport infrastructure on which our quality of life and economy depend. I am delighted to see the vital contribution our members make to society is recognised by the people who use it.”
To find out more about the People’s Choice Awards and the competing projects, go to: www.ice.org.uk/PeoplesChoice
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