Celebrating engineering excellence: ICE London awards 2024 winners

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is pleased to announce the winners of the ICE London awards 2024, celebrating engineering excellence across London.

A night of recognition

The ICE London awards ceremony took place in London, One Great George Street, and was hosted by Alice Bhandhukravi. Also, in attendance were Prof Anusha Shah ICE President and Rajesh Pathak, ICE London committee. It brought together professionals and industry leaders to celebrate people and projects, that are improving communities and inspiring future engineers.

Exceptional people and projects

The ICE London awards celebrate excellence and innovation in civil engineering, and this year’s winners are a perfect example of that.

Commenting on the award submissions and wins, Rajesh Pathak, chair, ICE London committee, said, “The ICE London awards showcase the very best of civil engineering in our region, celebrating the innovation, collaboration, and lasting impact that our profession brings to society. It was an honour to witness such remarkable achievements that will shape the future of London and beyond.”

Our awards are split into six main categories. See all winners below.

Katy Jones: Winner, Rising Star

Katy Jones, Section Manager at Taylor Woodrow, was named Rising Star for her leadership and mentorship in civil engineering. Chartered in 2023, she specialises in complex lifting operations and mentors’ junior engineers. Katy also led a program that provided work experience to long-term unemployed individuals, with 40% securing jobs. She advocates for inclusivity in construction and actively participates in STEM outreach, making a positive impact on her team and community.

Ada Nwadigo: Winner, STEM Ambassador of the Year

Ada Nwadigo, Managing Director at Jona Infrastructure Advisory, has been named STEM Ambassador of the Year. As an ICE STEM Ambassador, she promotes STEM education and inspires future generations. Ada engages students at events, delivers keynote speeches, and runs the InspirEng program to spark interest in engineering. Through the “This is Engineering” campaign, she uses social media to make STEM more accessible. Additionally, as a mentor with the Women’s Engineering Society and the Chartered Management Institute, she has helped many mentees land top graduate roles.

Winner Award for Community Benefit: Laing O’Rourke (In partnership with Expanded): Shepperton South Studios Project

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The Shepperton south studio Project is a multimillion-pound expansion of one of the world’s most renowned film studios showcases innovative engineering that benefits the local community while adhering to a fast-paced schedule.

In just one year, the project completed a campus of 21 buildings. By collaborating with the local community and clients, Laing O’Rourke has created a vibrant space for films and TV shows enjoyed worldwide. The project’s impact extends beyond the studio, supporting various initiatives that enrich the local community.

Winner Team of the Year: Environment Agency (In partnership with BAM Nuttall, WSP, Arcadis and Jacobs): Rammey Sluice Gate Replacement Project

The Environment Agency team was recognised for their focus on sustainable practices, collaboration, and professional development.

The project replaced aging sluice gates on the River Lee, enhancing flood protection for 6,000 properties over the next 50 years. Despite challenging conditions, including high-water levels and proximity to high-voltage lines, the team safely completed the project during the COVID-19 pandemic using innovative construction methods.

It has also incorporated remote telemetry and underwater cameras for monitoring, improved biodiversity with a fish and eel pass, and allowed key species, like the 900mm barbel, to migrate upstream for the first time.

Winner Innovation Award: Heyne Tillett Steel (In partnership with Barr Gazetas and Grosvenor): Holbein Gardens

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Heyne Tillett Steel received this award for their work on Holbein Gardens, a refurbished 1980s concrete-framed commercial building transformed into a modern, sustainable workplace in collaboration with Barr Gazetas for Grosvenor.

Sustainability and circularity were key to the project, with most of the existing building materials reused and low carbon engineered timber extensions added. The judges also awarded a highly commended recognition in the Innovation category to INVVU Construction Consultants for their excellent entries.

Highly Commended Innovation: INVVU Construction Consultants (In partnership with Govia Thameslink Railway, Walker Construction Ltd and Bogie Drop Equipment Supplier – Mechan Ltd): Hornsey Depot Bogie Drop Facility

INVVU Construction Consultants were recognised for their work on the Hornsey Depot Bogie Drop Facility, demonstrating innovative engineering solutions and effective collaboration in a complex project. The Hornsey Depot is a train maintenance facility for Class 387, 700, and 717 trains on the Thameslink and Great Northern routes.

The project involved extending the existing Wheel Lathe Building to add a bespoke bogie drop facility. The complex civil engineering project had tight site constraints and required extensive research and development, collaboration with specialists, and temporary works solutions.

Best Infrastructure Project- Large and small

The judges were impressed by the quality and variety of projects submitted, so they decided to give two awards: Best Infrastructure Large and Best Infrastructure Small.

Winner Best Infrastructure Project – Large: Bechtel (In partnership with Crossrail and Transcend): Crossrail and the Elizabeth Line

The Crossrail programme, in partnership with Bechtel and the Transcend joint venture delivered the Elizabeth Line, Britain’s newest railway. This project integrated three signalling systems for smooth transitions between surface and underground travel.

Since its opening on 24 May 2022, the Elizabeth Line has facilitated over 150 million passenger journeys. It boasts high safety standards, advanced digital technology, and a world-class safety programme.

Winner Best Infrastructure Project – Small: Barking Riverside Ltd (In partnership with McLaughlin & Harvey, Beckett Rankine, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Anthony Carlisle Architects): Barking Riverside Pier

Barking Riverside is one of Europe’s largest residential developments, set on the former Barking Power Station site along the Thames. The project will create over 10,000 homes (potentially 20,000 with a new planning application), along with schools, commercial, leisure, and health facilities.

Historically isolated, the area lacked connectivity due to the A13 and the Thames, necessitating new transport solutions. The construction of Barking Riverside Pier, part of a major transport interchange, enabled Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to introduce the world’s first hybrid ferries.

Looking ahead

The ICE London awards not only celebrate past achievements but also inspire future innovations in civil engineering. “We are delighted to celebrate the people and projects that define our industry,” said Katherine Etheridge, regional director ICE London. “These awards highlight the incredible achievements of our members and underscore the vital role of civil engineering in shaping a better future.”