June 2011
Three Halcrow inland waterways projects have been recognised at the UK’s Waterways Rennaissance Awards – a haul which includes the sought after outstanding achievement accolade.
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Video produced by Halcrow's corporate communications team
The Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway, Three Mills Lock in east London and Ryeford Double Lock on the Stroudwater Navigation in Gloucestershire all provided bright points for Halcrow as they were applauded at the ceremony, held in Birmingham in May.
National charity The Waterways Trust works with others to promote greater public enjoyment of our inland waterways. The awards recognise best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK.
The Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway project has been supported by Halcrow for over ten years and scooped the award for strategy and master planning. However, the highlight of the evening came when it also claimed the outstanding achievement award, which gives special recognition to an inspiring project.
First proposed over 200 years ago, the concept of creating a 26 kilometre waterway to provide a missing link between the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes and the River Great Ouse at Bedford, was revived in the 1990s.
Halcrow’s Roland Grzybek said: “The Bedford and Milton Keynes waterway will be a prime example of the best in 21st century engineering, landscaping and design for future generations – a truly sustainable development.”
Three Mills Lock in east London won the design and construction category. It has created a green gateway for barges entering the Olympic Park, helping to remove thousands of lorry journeys from local roads.
Finally, Ryeford Double Lock on the Stroudwater Navigation in Gloucestershire was runner up in the historic environment awards category. The Grade II listed double lock is one of only seven of its type remaining on the inland waterway network. It is part of the Cotswold Canal restoration project which aims to reconnect the River Severn with the River Thames.