A significant renovation of the University station in Birmingham has been recognised as the region’s best civil engineering project. The revamped station in Edgbaston won three prestigious awards at the 2024 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) West Midlands Awards.
Developed to address the increase in passenger traffic, the station’s redesign includes new buildings, public areas, and infrastructure improvements. The project demonstrated excellent planning and effective collaboration among various organisations.
Award-Winning Redesign
The University station in Edgbaston was honoured as the top large project (over £10 million), best team achievement, and overall project of the year at the 2024 ICE West Midlands Awards. Originally constructed in 1978 to serve approximately 500,000 passengers annually, the station now accommodates over seven million passengers each year.
The unprecedented growth, partly due to the connection to the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, necessitated the comprehensive redesign. This ambitious project aimed to ease bottlenecks and improve capacity.
Structural Enhancements
Key features of the new-look station include two additional buildings, expanded public spaces, wider platforms, and a new bridge over the canal, providing an extra exit to alleviate passenger congestion. Even during renovations, the station remained operational, showcasing the meticulous planning and execution.
Although the project encountered multiple delays, it was completed in time to support the 2022 Commonwealth Games, when the University of Birmingham hosted hockey and squash competitions.
Collaborative Effort
The judges praised the ‘meticulous planning and collaboration’ involving 13 different organisations, including Transport for West Midlands, Network Rail, Volker Fitzpatrick, and Associated Architects.
This collective effort brought together several key stakeholders, such as the University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham, highlighting the importance of cooperative engagement for such large-scale projects.
Jo Barnett, Midlands regional director for the ICE, remarked on the sustainable benefits the project brought to everyday life, celebrating the innovation, dedication, and excellence driving the engineering profession.
Recognition of Excellence
The annual ICE Awards celebrate achievements across various categories, honouring both projects and individuals in the West Midlands.
Among other awardees was Chloe-Bess Lester, a site engineer from civil engineering firm Taylor Woodrow, who was recognised as young achiever of the year for her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the engineering community.
Additionally, Tony Gee & Partners and Midland Metro Alliance received the heritage award for their work on a replacement bridge for the West Midlands Metro, linking Wednesbury with Brierley Hill. The project maintained the original design’s signature style while meeting modern tramway needs.
Further Achievements
Other notable awardees include Luca Grail-Langston from Arup, who received the Technician Award, and David Brown, honoured with the Bob Dunn Award for Outstanding Achievement.
The Schoolhouse Bridge Restoration project on the Montgomery Canal won the Small Project Award (under £2 million), highlighting the significant impact of well-executed smaller projects.
HS2’s M42-M6 Link East Viaduct in Warwickshire received the Medium Project Award (£2 million to £10 million), showcasing the scale and complexity of medium-sized civil engineering feats.
Sustainability and Research
The first avenue flood alleviation scheme in Selly Park, Birmingham, earned the sustainability award, recognising efforts to address environmental challenges.
The University of Birmingham, Keller Group, KB International, and Balfour Beatty were commended for their research into bored piles, reflecting the ongoing advancements in engineering knowledge.
Such acknowledgments underscore the critical role of sustainable and innovative solutions in modern civil engineering.
Celebratory Event
The awards ceremony, held at the MacDonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham city centre, was a significant event celebrating the accomplishments of the region’s civil engineering community.
The evening highlighted the diverse range of projects and the talented individuals dedicated to enhancing infrastructure and quality of life in the West Midlands.
Social Media Presence
The announcements and celebrations of the awards were shared across various social media platforms, reflecting the importance of digital engagement in contemporary professional recognition.
The University station refurbishment exemplifies how effective collaboration and innovative engineering can address modern infrastructure challenges.
The accolades at the 2024 ICE West Midlands Awards underscore the project’s exceptional planning, execution, and impact on the community.
