Coastal protection project wins BCI Award

The BCI Awards are the UK’s top accolade for overall excellence in building and civil engineering projects. They attract around 200 entries each year representing the best buildings and civil engineering projects throughout the UK ranging in size from very small to major.

The High Knocke to Dymchurch Frontage A scheme was one of five shortlisted finalists. The £30 million project involved a stepped concrete revetment with wave return wall, new lower promenade, improved upper promenade, raised main flood wall and timber groynes on the foreshore. Additional enhancements include refurbished boat launch slipway, viewing platforms, significantly widened upper promenade at the town centre, improved disabled access and parking.

BBC News presenter, Huw Edwards hosted the evening and announced the winners. The judges comments about the High Knocke to Dymchurch Frontage A scheme were read out whilst presenting the award. They said, “While providing 2.2km of high quality, durable coastal defences, protecting over 2,500 homes and businesses, the scheme was also designed to enhance the amenity value of the sea front, helping in the promotion of local tourist and retail industries and encouraging development and investment.

“The project has created a universally welcomed civic benefit out of necessity, a triumph of enthusiasm from client to community, which is already demonstrating significant regeneration success. The new promenade also demonstrates precast and insitu concrete to a very high standard.”

Regional managing director representing Birse Coastal, Gary Phoenix said, “It is truly an honour to receive this award. The project team involved in design and construction of the scheme knew we had created something exceptional, something that would not only protect the people and the assets of Dymchurch, but which would also add real value to the local community. To have this recognised by our peers and judged as the best amongst what was a very impressive shortlist of finalists is the ultimate achievement.”

His comments were echoed by the UK Environment Agency. Miles Jordan, head of National Capital Programme Management Service added, “Winning this award represents an enormous achievement for the Environment Agency and our delivery partners. It confirms that our commitment to integrated teamworking and continuous improvement is producing outcomes which compare with the very best in the industry.”