July 2011
The Dartford Creek Access Improvements project has won an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Kent and East Sussex Engineering Excellence Award in the Environmental category.
The awards which were held on Friday 24 June at Leeds Castle showcased the best civil engineering projects in the region in the past year. The judges rewarded projects that reflect aspects of the ICE’s global vision of: ‘Civil Engineers at the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise’.
Halcrow, on behalf of the client SEEDA, undertook the feasibility and detailed design of this environmental and recreational enhancement project in 2010, as part of their wider involvement in the regeneration of the Dartford Creek.
The project is part of a wider initiative to regenerate the Southern Thames Gateway, this project aimed to clean up and revitalise a run-down section of Dartford Creek. Works started in March 2010 and involved the construction of a new footpath suspended partially over the river running through a commercial development. The river and bank were cleared of debris and landscaped and action was taken to facilitate the re-establishment of reed beds. Waste was also minimised, with 97 per cent of material reused on site. These newly developed habitats have encouraged the return of native flora and fauna including moorhens, swans and sparrow hawks. The enhanced landscape and walkways have reconnected the local community to their natural environment, improving accessibility and quality of life for all.
John Laverty, director of ICE South East England, said:
“All of the winning projects highlight the important contribution that engineers make to our way of life. They range in scale from major infrastructure improvement schemes through to smaller community projects benefiting local people and businesses. It was a very inspiring selection for our judges to choose from and I congratulate all the project teams on their success!”