The Institution of Civil Engineering (ICE) Awards are held regionally across the globe and highly respected by the industry showcasing the outstanding work done by civil engineers over the previous year. The shortlist for the ICE Wales Cymru Project Awards 2023 has just been announced and includes the local projects of Llyn Tegid reservoir, Bala and Prince Llewellyn reservoir, Dolwyddelan.
Llyn Tegid reservoir safety improvement scheme, Bala.
This large, raised natural lake south of the town of Bala, lies within an area of Registered Landscape of Historic Interest. It is a pivotal tourist destination and a haven for wildlife welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
The reservoir safety improvements scheme involved direct engagement with the community from the early project stages through to completion of construction. Felled trees were upcycled for wood-carved sculptures in collaboration with the local community woodland group Llais y Goedwig. A wood carving was provided for a new table at Ogwen Mountain Rescue. A local school was invited to plant trees, engaging children to be part of habitat creation and be aware of their environment.
The scheme not only provides flood protection to Bala and the future of Bala Lake Railway but, with environmental sustainability at the heart of project development, design and delivery, seeks to enhance habitats and biodiversity. Economic, environmental benefit and social value have also been maximised in alignment with Welsh Government’s wellbeing goals and the design halved construction costs against the original forecast.
The project was submitted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and involved principal designer: Binnies UK Limited and principal contractor: William Hughes Civil Engineering.
Prince Llewelyn Reservoir Safety Project, Dolwyddelan.
Prince Llewelyn is a historic dam structure located within Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) Forestry Estate outside Dolwyddelan, North Wales. Concerns about the dam safety were raised following the observation of severe leakages on the downstream face during recent flood events, when the reservoir water level was particularly high. Because of these concerns, NRW decided to decommission the embankment, returning the water level to its original height. This in turn has reduced the risk of flooding to properties downstream and enabled protected species of otter, badgers, reptiles, stoats, weasels, several species of birds and various species of bats to return to the site.
The project was submitted by client and project managers NRW and involved key designers Arcadis, key contractor William Hughes Civil Engineering and Arup.
Keith Jones, director, ICE Wales Cymru said:
“It is encouraging to see the scale and success of these projects bringing safety and opportunities to local communities whilst highlighting the importance of civil engineering to the environment”.
Winning Award Announcements and Presentations
These projects will now go through to the Wales final where the winners will be revealed during a live awards ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on 22 September.
