SCOTTISH projects picked up the top infrastructure and regeneration project accolades at the UK-wide RICS Awards Grand Final.
The Queensferry Crossing (infrastructure) and West Dunbartonshire Council’s Dumbarton Office (regeneration) were honoured at the London ceremony, hosted by journalist and TV broadcaster Samira Ahmed.
Category winners from each of the 12 regional RICS Award ceremonies, held earlier this year, competed in the Grand Final for the chance to win the national accolade in their respective category.
The Queensferry Crossing was Scotland’s largest infrastructure project for a generation. RICS Grand Final judges congratulated the project team – Transport Scotland, Dissing+Weitling Architecture and FCBC (Galliford Try, Hochtief, Dragados and American Bridge International).
National RICS judge, David Brooks Wilson FRICS said, “The FRC (Forth Replacement Crossing) was opened after only four years planning and six years in construction. In addition to this impressive feat, the outturn cost improved from the original budget of £3.2 billion to a final cost of only £1.35 billion. This new bridge is a worthy winner in this category and a tribute to collaborative teamwork.”
West Dunbartonshire Council’s new Dumbarton Office took home the regeneration award following its transformation from a fire-ravaged academy building to open-plan offices and community facilities, created behind the conserved Grade-A listed façade. Judges commended the project team – Doig and Smith, Keppie, West Dunbartonshire Council and hub West Scotland – for bringing back into use an important local structure created by Glasgow’s William Leiper.
National RICS judge, Malcolm Young FRICS said, “The West Dunbartonshire Council staff can now enjoy more efficient, collaborative working while the build brings new vitality and spending power to the town centre. The project has skilfully merged old with new while maintaining functionality and purpose, and the added value social benefits of being located on the high street have already attracted interest from across Europe.”
Adding to the list of Scottish projects recognised on the night, Mackintosh at the Willow in Glasgow was Highly Commended in the building conservation category.
The UK Project of the Year award went to the £18 million Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC, set in the grounds of Keele University in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The centre provides multi-disciplinary services for the diagnosis, support and research of autism, making it the first building of its kind in the UK.
