Wroughton-based civil engineering group Halcrow’s commitment to, and outstanding work in, waterway conservation and regeneration has been recognised with four winning entries, a runner up and a commendation at this year’s Waterways Renaissance Awards.
The awards, run by The Waterways Trust for the past 10 years, champion projects that have turned inland waterways into desirable places for living, learning and leisure.
Held at the Arena and Convention Centre on Liverpool's waterfront, the awards recognised Halcrow's commitment and outstanding work in regeneration. The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Peter Soulsby MP.
Halcrow was thrilled with the success of the development of the historic Foxton Locks and Inclined Plane site in Leicestershire. The project not only won in the historic category and was commended in the Design and Construction category, but was presented with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award – the highlight of the evening.
The British Waterways led project involved five years' development of a 20 acre historic site in South Leicestershire. Halcrow has been providing specialist support to British Waterways in developing designs that are appropriate and in keeping with the unique historic nature of the site.
Roger Hanbury, chief executive of The Waterways Trust, said: "The restoration of Foxton Locks and Inclined Plane is an excellent example of how the modern renaissance of our waterways continues to transform our environment. This project is part of an imaginative programme to transform this unique and previously partly derelict site into a visitor attraction of national importance, balancing the challenging demands of heritage, engineering, and environment. The result is just stunning and incorporates many clever and innovative solutions. It is a fantastic project, brilliantly executed by a great team."
Mark Seward, Halcrow's framework manager for British Waterways said: "We were absolutely thrilled to win at the Waterway Renaissance Awards. We have worked very closely with British Waterways over the past few years and it is tremendously satisfying to be rewarded and recognised as waterway regeneration specialists at this prestigious event.
We hope that these awards will help to further raise the profile of Foxton nationally and help to strengthen our long term working relationship with British Waterways."
Halcrow also celebrated winning the Innovation Achievement Award for their work, as part of a team, on the Washlands Flood Storage Area Improvement Scheme in Dagenham.
