The extension of the Leeds Liverpool Canal recently won the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West’s highest accolade – the Merit Award for 2010. ICE Judges praised the design team and client for the high level of coordination, the use of materials in keeping with the historic dock, and the overall sustainable qualities of the scheme.
ICE President, Professor Paul Jowitt presented the award to Richard Summers, Arup Project Manager for the design and construction phases, along with representatives from British Waterways and Liverpool City Council, at a ceremony held in Bolton on 5 February. Other awards the canal extension has received include:
- BURA 2010 Waterways Renaissance Awards, Design & Construction Award.
- Northwest Tourism, Public Space Award.
- Local Government News, Street Design Awards 2009, Waterways Award.
- Institution of Highways and Transportation, Transportation Project of the Year 2009.
- BCIA Regeneration Award 2009.
The purpose of the £22M regeneration project, commissioned by British Waterways, was to connect the end of the Leeds Liverpool Canal with the South Docks in Liverpool. This involved extending the Leeds Liverpool Canal from Stanley Dock, through the disused Central Docks area, across Pier Head in front of the iconic Liver Building, and into the well developed Albert Dock area.
Arup provided a complete multidisciplinary design service for the Liverpool Canal Link scheme, including performing the role of both detailed designer and technical advisor to the client throughout the design, tender and construction phases of the project. The project scope included detailed design for the canal link from Leeds Liverpool Canal to Canning Dock. Structures include new dock walls, new lock gates, culverts, restoration of lock gates, new causeway, new bridges over canal and lifting existing footbridge.
The new link provides the 126 mile long Leeds Liverpool Canal with an additional 1.4 miles of navigable waterway and creates a vibrant new tourist destination for Liverpool City Centre.