The winner of the Prime Minister’s (PM’s) Better Public Building Award has been announced as the Medmerry flood defence project in Sussex, with the award presented at the British Construction Industry Awards ceremony in London.
The Cabinet Office writes:
An innovative flood defence project in Sussex has won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award that celebrates all round excellence in construction. Opened in November 2013, the Medmerry flood defence project includes 4 miles of new sea walls to reduce flood risk for hundreds of local properties. The lifesaving defences held firm during last year’s floods and is seen as a gold standard of flood defence in the UK.
The project was led by the Environment Agency. It created a new wetland for local wildlife with 183 hectares of intertidal habitat. Much of the site is now managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. This new form of defence has helped to save £300,000 taxpayers’ money each year, the cost of repairing the shingle bank. It also supports local economic growth by allowing businesses to operate year round.
Dr Paul Leinster, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said: ‘This award recognises the excellent work of our dedicated staff and contractors in protecting people and property through delivering innovative and effective flood risk management schemes. The Medmerry managed realignment scheme protects 348 homes, important infrastructure that serves over 5,000 households and creates an intertidal habitat at the same time that will boost tourism in the area.’
The award was presented at the British Construction Industry Awards ceremony in Park Lane, London. It recognises projects that are completed on time, on budget and bring real change to the community. Previous award winners include the Tate Modern and the Velodrome at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
