Newbiggin Bay project honoured by British Construction Industry - 10 October 2008
A civil engineering project which played a key role in rejuvenating a Northumberland community has this week been recognised with one of the most prestigious honours the industry has to offer after.
A civil engineering project which played a key role in rejuvenating a Northumberland community has this week been recognised with one of the construction industry’s most prestigious honours.
Wansbeck District Council’s Newbiggin Bay coastal protection scheme, which was designed and project managed by Atkins, picked up the civil engineering project category at the British Construction Industry Awards.
Judges were particularly impressed by the incredible impact the scheme has had on Newbiggin. Restoring the town’s beach both as a coastal protection structure and a tourist destination, it was the catalyst to the town’s regeneration, putting the life back into a community dead on its feet from the demise of its fishing and coal industries.
Ian Heijne, Atkins’ project director, said: “This has been a wonderful project to be involved with and we’re delighted it has received such high recognition. The award culminates from the successful collaboration of many parties’ dedicated work and it is a fantastic example of what can been achieved through civil engineering.”
The BCI Awards are widely regarded as the industry's 'Oscars' and attract entries from more than 180 of the best projects in the UK.
Atkins was involved in the Newbiggin Bay project from the start, more than 10 years ago. This included undertaking feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments and developing coastal protection strategy plans, all the way through to detailed design, planning permission and project management.
The scheme involved the construction of a 200m long offshore breakwater and, uniquely, the first piece of offshore artwork in the UK: a 5 metre-tall sculpture known as 'Couple'.
Key elements of the project included:
• Construction of a 200 metre long breakwater that incorporates 20 tonnes of steel and has the ability to withstand 5-metre waves approximately 300 metres offshore - the breakwater had to be durable, but also had to look good in order to be sympathetic to the town’s needs as a tourist destination.
• The introduction of around 500,000 tonnes of sand, brought by dredger from the Lincolnshire coast, to replenish the beach and provide additional sea defence - required because years of erosion and mining subsidence had lowered the beach level.
• A series of promenade improvements to enhance the sea front environment, including a new set of feature steps in the centre of the bay, a new playground and raised viewing platforms.
Ends
For more information:
Jane Sheils 01372 752350
Jane.sheils@atkinsglobal.com
Notes to Editors:
Atkins is a multinational engineering and design consultancy, providing expertise to help resolve complex challenges presented by the built and natural environment. Atkins is the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe; the largest engineering consultancy in the UK; and the world’s eighth largest design firm.
Atkins’ current projects include:
• Major infrastructure works, such as design and programme management of the civil works for the Dubai Metro red and green lines;
• In the defence sector, the MoD’s Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme – overseeing the development of the next generation of medium weight armoured vehicles for the military;
• Significant road contracts, such as a £150 million, five-year integrated contract for Gloucestershire County Council, delivering highway maintenance, design, emergency response, winter maintenance, re-surfacing and recycling;
• Key rail projects, including a £65 million, three-year resignalling contract in Basingstoke; and
• High profile designs, such as Durrat Al Bahrain, a spectacular 20 sq km resort for 45,000 people on the south coast of Bahrain, comprising 13 man-made islands.
Atkins won Engineering Consultant of the Year 2008 at the prestigious Building Awards. The company was named among the “20 Best Big Companies to Work For 2008’ by The Sunday Times; The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2008; and The Times Top 50 Companies Where Women Want to Work 2008. The company was construction sector winner for the third consecutive year in the Target National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2008.