Cornwall has claimed four prizes at the South West’s most prestigious civil engineering event, with the judges recognising how Cornish engineers have worked together to help communities during the pandemic.

The winners of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards 2021 in association with Kier BAM were announced by Rob Bell, TV presenter and engineer, on Thursday 30 September at a gala ceremony in the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.

An emergency housing scheme by Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people during the coronavirus lockdown achieved two accolades.

The project won the Community Award, sponsored by Stantec, along with the Judges’ Special Award.

The judging panel paid tribute to the positive impact of the scheme for vulnerable residents, who were housed in 22 cabins on two sites in Truro and Penzance.

The judges also recognised that the main contractor, Cormac Solutions, had to overcome major supply chain challenges to achieve an impressive three week turnaround, from start to finish.

There was further success for Cormac Solutions with the company’s Katie Lawson winning the Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Tony Gee and Partners.

The judges were impressed by Katie’s personal determination and refusal to give up on her dream.

They said her enthusiasm, integrity and work ethic shined through and she was an inspiring role model, especially for those who might not believe civil engineering is for them.

Dominic Bostock, Cormac Highways, Environment and Civils Managing Director, said: "Our mission is to improve the lives of the people of Cornwall, and our projects have a real impact on Cornish communities.

Falmouth Packet: Cornwall has claimed four prizes at the South West’s most prestigious civil engineering event.Cornwall has claimed four prizes at the South West’s most prestigious civil engineering event.

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"To be recognised by industry leaders in this way is reinforcement of that – especially for such an important scheme like the Emergency Homeless Housing Project, which helped so many during the height of the pandemic.

"We are also really pleased that Katie was recognised.

"Her dedication and commitment demonstrates the value she will bring to the industry and her future career."

The Helston Flood Alleviation Scheme took home the Project Under £8m (Re-Engineered) Award, sponsored by Richter.

The Environment Agency project involved the construction of new defences covering 600m along the River Cober.

The judges were impressed with the trusting relationship the project team were able to foster with the local community, enabling them to continue to work in people’s back gardens during the national lockdown.

Miranda Housden, ICE South West Regional Director, said: "The one thing all the winners have in common is the direct benefit they bring to people through their work.

"Our awards are a real tribute to the thousands of civil engineers who continue to bring huge societal benefits to people in the South West."

Full details of all the shortlisted projects and awards sponsors are available at ice.org.uk/sw/awards.