Severn Estuary flood defence and ecology project wins big at the prestigious ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards
The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project has won a hat-trick of accolades at the prestigious Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards. The project, which provides vital flood defences and ecological enhancements from Aust in South Gloucestershire to Shirehampton in Bristol, was recognised at a gala ceremony in Bristol on 24 October.
Selected from a highly competitive field, the project won the top award of the night, the Showcase Award, as well as the Resilience Award and the People’s Choice Award, which was voted on by the public.
The ICE South West judging panel were impressed by the sympathetic design of the scheme, which they felt was built to fit into the unique landscape. They praised the engineering innovation employed across the project and the consideration given to stakeholders.
The project, which began its delivery phase in 2019 with BMMJV, is constructing 17 km of flood defences to safeguard 2,500 homes and businesses. In addition, it is creating 80 hectares of wetland habitat and improving walking routes along the Severn Estuary, while also helping to unlock 12,000 new jobs in the region.
Ursula Stevenson, Project Lead for Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We are honoured to have won these three awards. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project. This recognition highlights our commitment to addressing both flood risk and environmental sustainability in the region.”
Tony Bajjada, Public Liaison Officer and Stakeholder Manager at contractors BMMjv, added: “We are delighted that this project, which is of immense importance to both the local community and the wider region, has been recognised. It underscores the value of collaboration and innovation in delivering technical excellence and creating a sustainable future.”
Colin Taylor, Senior Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor for the Environment Agency, said “We are thrilled that this project has been recognised with three prestigious awards. It is hugely pleasing the judging panel presented us with the Resilience Award and Showcase Award, and we thank the public for voting for us to win the People’s Choice Award. The Environment Agency’s National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy sets out an ambition to create climate resilient places and, through working with our partners and stakeholders, it is satisfying our contribution towards this has been acknowledged.”
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee at Bristol City Council, said: “I am exceptionally proud that our Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project has been awarded not one, but three accolades at this year’s ICE South West Awards. It’s brilliant to see a project, so grand in its scale and vision, be recognised both by a panel of experts and the general public as being genuinely good for the West of England.
“The work we’re doing here will not only protect our coastline from the looming threat of rising sea levels but will also play a key role in unlocking the vast economic potential of the region, as well as making ample space for nature to thrive.
“Winning these prestigious awards stands as a testament to the transformative work we’re carrying out and I very much look forward seeing what’s next for this amazing project.”
Councillor Louise Harris, cabinet member responsible for the climate and nature emergency at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised with three awards at the prestigious Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering event. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the highly skilled and experienced team who are delivering a sustainable and resilient future for the region.”
The project’s dual focus on ecological protection and flood resilience has made it a standout achievement in the South West, addressing critical infrastructure needs while benefiting local wildlife and the community.
To find out more about this year’s ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards, visit their website.
