British Construction Industry Awards 08' winners unveiled
- Published: 09 October 2008 11:32
- Author: Simon Ellery
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 09 October 2008 16:28
The British Construction Industry Awards last night unveiled 19 projects in the UK and abroad as winners.
Judges visited over 35 UK shortlisted projects in a competition that focuses on aspects such as procurement, performance against prediction and quality of design and construction.
The Prime Minister's Better Building Award for public sector went to the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton. The principal contractor was Kajima Construction and the engineer was Shepherd Engineering Services on a commission by Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Judges described it as an "uplifting project" and a great exemplar for PFI. It was built on an "extremely tight site in existing hospital grounds with great ingenuity to create a technically demanding building". The hospital was closely involved throughout and very clear about what it wanted.
The major project award went to St Pancras International Station which judges said was "transformed with sensitive preservation of its external shell, combined with hugely complex interior works has created a magnificent modern rail gateway to Europe". The principal designer was Rail Link Engineering and the principal contractor was Corber JV, Edmund Nuttall.
The Building Award for a project between £3 million and £50 million went to the new Young Vic which is a new building that retains small elements of the original 1970's theatre in London.
The project required an innovative approach with a commitment to the New Vic "get it" culture and offered "incredible value for money". The structural engineer was Jane Wernick Associates and the principal contractor was Verry Construction.
For BCIA 21st anniversary a Hall of Fame was started with two leading luminaries picked to become the inaugural names. Sir Stuart Lipton was chosen following his work as former chairman and founder of developer Stanhope along with his leading role in the Broadgate development.
Alan Myers was also added for the vital role he played reshaping the UK's transport and economy including crucial roles in the Channel Tunnel and Heathrow Express.
Other awards went to the East Beach Café in Littlehampton, Exmouth Dock and Sea Wall, Newbiggin Bay Coast Protection scheme, Heathrow Terminal 5 and Castleford Footbridge.
Gongs also went to Aston Martin Design Studio in Gaydon, the Barking Learning Centre, St Marylebone CE School's performing arts centre, Sheffield Inner Relief Road, the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Royal Hall in Harrogate, Cleveleys coast protection scheme, the DLR at Langdon Park in London and the Manchester Civil Justice Centre.
International projects by British firms were also acknowledged with the Stormwater management and road tunnel in Kuala Lumpar picking up an award and the Kensington Oval Cricket Ground in Barbados being highly commended by judges.
