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ICE North East

Awards

ICE North East works to promote and celebrate the outstanding work of members. It organises awards to recognise exceptional projects, teamwork and individual excellence.

Our 2026 awards

Winners of the Robert Stephenson Awards 2026 were announced live on the night at the ICE North East Annual Dinner, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Newcastle.

Our 2026 awards winners

Our awards are split into three main categories, projects, technical excellence and people. See all our winners below.

Project awards 

Ranging from small to multi-million-pound projects, these awards celebrate innovative projects across our region.

The Northumberland Line

The Northumberland Line restored passenger rail services between Ashington and Newcastle for the first time in more than 60 years, reconnecting six communities along an 18-mile corridor.

The £330m programme is one of the largest third-party funded rail upgrades in the UK and represents the most significant rail reopening in the North East for decades and is a nationally significant scheme with locally transformative impact.

Involved Parties:

  • Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
  • Northumberland County Council
  • AECOM
  • Hewitson Ltd
  • Rainton Construction
  • MGL Earthworks
  • Groundwork Services
  • Forte
  • Soil Engineering
  • GBR Rail
  • Martello
  • Rainton Construction
  • Miller Fabrications
  • Bespoke

Keel Crossing

Keel Crossing is an embodiment of the regeneration at Riverside Sunderland. Connecting across the River Wear, the 250m, 9.5m wide bridge promotes active travel in the area. Designed to incorporate the Keel Line, it has its own identity while complementing adjacent bridges.

All parties collaborated to deliver technical excellence and value in a significantly constrained and challenging site. The superstructure steelwork design achieved a 13% reduction in embodied carbon and reduced the number of lifts. Innovation included the pre-cast deck trolley system and cantilevered piling frame. Temporarily opened for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the project also delivered £4.18M in social value.

Involved Parties:

  • Arup
  • Sunderland City Council
  • Volker Stevin
  • Knight Architects

North and South Shields Pier Repairs

The piers were built to shelter the mouth of the River Tyne from the full force of the North Sea. The first foundations of the North Pier were laid in 1854, with the project one of the most challenging of its time. These Grade II listed landmarks were badly damaged by Storm Babet in 2023, and were closed to the public.

Delivered by a local team, the project involved restoring the piers using civil engineering techniques that whilst preserving heritage, will provide protection from future storm events, ensuring the public can enjoy these iconic structures for many more years.

Involved Parties:

  • Southbay Civil Engineering Limited
  • Port of Tyne
  • Total Project Integration
  • Classic Masonry
  • Purcell

West Park Flood Alleviation Scheme

The project delivers targeted improvements to drainage performance, culvert operation and asset access within a densely populated catchment.

Designed in response to an immediate resilience need, the project focused on evidence-led interventions that improved hydraulic capacity, reduced blockage risk and enhanced long-term asset maintainability.

Delivered over a 20-week programme with a value of £849,000, critical flood risk for 89 residential properties and key local infrastructure was addressed.

Through collaborative redesign, innovative construction methods and community-focused delivery, the project also delivered landscape upgrades, park enhancements and access improvements leaving a positive and lasting legacy for residents.

Involved Parties:

  • Environment Agency
  • Hartlepool Borough Council
  • Seymour CEC
  • Jacobs

Gateshead Viaduct - Emergency Stabilisation and Pier Strengthening Works

The Gateshead Viaduct,linking the Tyne Bridge and the A1 southbound route, had seriously deteriorated over its 50 year lifespan, with water damage, concrete delamination and concerns over its post tensioned elements.Its daisy chained post tensioning tendon system meant failure of one pier could trigger collapse.

In December 2024, a drum test revealed a hollow pier with severely degraded reinforcement, turning a maintenance issue into an emergency.

The viaduct closed on 13 December, followed by the Metro line directly beneath a compromised pier. BAM was urgently appointed to design and install temporary propping to stabilise the structure and restore critical transport links.

Involved Parties:

  • BAM UK & Ireland Division
  • Gateshead Council
  • AECOM
  • BAM
  • Mammoet

Technical Excellence Award

Recognising excellence in teams who focus on decarbonisation of civil engineering.

Northumbrian Water Group High Spills Programme

Stanghow Road CSO was the largest and most complex project to be delivered under the WINEP Storm Overflow Assessment Framework (SOAF). Applying innovative catchment hydraulic optimisation techniques, the solution reduces storm overflow spill frequency by over 80% per annum.

Applying innovative catchment hydraulic optimisation techniques, and targeted low-carbon focused interventions, delivered carbon savings of 220 tCO2e on the baseline grey solution.

People awards

ICE North East organises and supports awards that showcase the outstanding achievements of ICE members in the region.

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Champion: winner

The judges described our winner as a dedicated leader ensuring access to equal opportunities for all.

She has led by example within the region, chairing the ICE’s North East Fairness, Inclusion and Respect group, paving the way for other regions to follow in her footsteps.

In 2025, she celebrated inclusion through a varied programme of activities including webinars on inclusive design, a social value gardening day and annual FIR quiz.

She is a shining example of inclusivity and championing others.

QUEST Technician Scholarships

The TQUEST scholarships are a sign of excellence, recognising individual’s abilities and future potential. This year’s applicants were incredibly strong, and it was hard to narrow down to just three. However, the three winners all demonstrated excellent teamwork, showed ambition plus an ability to think and act independently when needed.

Three QUEST Technician scholarships were awarded this year. They went to Joe Hart from Building Design North Ltd, Jake Brunskill from JN Bentley and Yoosuf Khan from National Highways.

Sustainability Champion Award: winner

Paul was praised for how strongly he believes in placing the environment at the centre of his work, ensuring sustainability is not just an add-on but a principle that guides every decision.

Colleagues celebrated his leadership as “someone who brings people with them by giving them confidence, clarity and space to succeed in demanding projects”

He is a champion for nature-based solutions and an exemplar for what sustainability leadership looks like.

STEM Ambassador of the Year Award

Andrew has a long-standing commitment to outreach, impressively reaching over 4700 young people between 2023 and 2025.

The judges were particularly impressed with his enthusiasm, passion and focus on inclusion. He repeatedly went above and beyond to deliver workshops, presentations, careers fairs and assemblies across the region to children from different ages and backgrounds.

He also used their skills and knowledge to support and encourage others to deliver STEM activities.

2026 awards sponsors

Headline sponsor

CDM

CDM

CDM Recruitment Ltd is an established, long- term supplier of construction related staff for temporary and permanent appointments.

Our 2025 awards winners

Our awards are split into three main categories, projects, technical excellence and people. See all our winners below.

Project awards 

Ranging from small to multi-million-pound projects, these awards celebrate innovative projects across our region.

Roman Army Museum Magna Activity Extension: winner

The winner of the Small Category Award was Roman Army Museum Magna Activity Extension by BT Bell Consulting Engineers and Cubby Construction for the Vindolanda Trust alongside Doonan Architects, QS Dimensions and Sine Consulting.

The judges thought this was a great example of a collaborative project with clear social and heritage value. They felt the adoption of sustainable materials such as heat pumps, draining and a daylight sensitive lighting system was commendable.

Lynemouth Coastal Landfill Remediation: winner

The winner of the medium category award was Lynemouth Coastal Landfill Remediation delivered for Northumberland County Council by Royal Haskoning DHV, Atkins Realis, Olive Compliance, BAM Nuttall, BAM Ritchies, Thompsons of Prudhoe, Mabey Hire and the Mining Remediation Authority.

Lynemouth Bay historically experienced extensive tipping of colliery spoil and other waste materials throughout the 20th Century, affecting the local beaches. The judges were impressed by this Northumberland County Council led voluntary waste management scheme at Lynemouth Bay to reduce the quantities of polluting wastes being released from the eroding beaches and cliffs.

This project prevented over 1,000 tonnes of contraries such as plastics, rubber tubing, hazardous materials and asbestos-containing materials from polluting the local beaches and sea.

Springwell Pipeline: winner

The winner of the Large Category Award was Springwell Pipeline by Mott MacDonald Bentley for Northumbrian Water Group.

The judges said that this project was a good example of the use of machine technology which cuts out the man/machine interface. It provided great work placement opportunities and had good collaboration with National Highways in relation to the crossing of the A194.

Innovative techniques and forward planning helped accelerate the programme. This project had a good level of community engagement, large number of volunteering hours and strong social value contribution.

Design and construction of the new maintenance Depot at Gosforth: commended

A Highly Commended award in this category was presented to Design & Construction of the new Maintenance Depot at Gosforth. This project was delivered by delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd, Arcadis and VokerRail Ltd for Stadler Rail Service UK Limited.

The judges said that this was an interesting project with sustainable transport at its core. It involved a significant logistical operation where the demolition of existing buildings had to be phased around continued operation of the facility.

Despite these challenges, the project was delivered 1 month ahead of the planned completion date. 63T of CO2 was saved, down to the re-use of materials and vehicle movements which led to a 53% reduction in the planned imported material volume. 

Technical Excellence Award

Recognising excellence in teams who focus on decarbonisation of civil engineering.

Driving Down Capital through Collaboration (Northumbrian Water’s Capital Carbon Five Point Plan): winner

The winner of this new award for 2025 is Driving Down Capital through Collaboration (Northumbrian Water’s Capital Carbon Five Point Plan) delivered by Stantec, Esh, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), Avove, Jacobs and Galliford Try for Northumbrian Water Group.

The judges said this is a remarkable and bold strategy that demonstrates exemplary collaboration between the client and suppliers. It highlights the shared responsibility and commitment all parties have shown in pursuing mutual and long-term goals aimed at decarbonisation. This approach showcases how unified efforts can drive meaningful environmental direction while fostering enduring partnerships for sustainability.

People awards

ICE North East organises and supports awards that showcase the outstanding achievements of ICE members in the region.

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Champion: winner

The FIR Champion Award went to Richard Stelling from Sir Robert McAlpine.

The judges described Richard as a leader with unwavering dedication to promoting equal opportunities. He exemplifies true allyship and stands firmly against discrimination. His commitment continues to inspire and make a meaningful impact.

Richard was highly commended last year, and this year he has come back even stronger. His journey is a shining example of resilience and inclusivity. As a 'mature student' and an active advocate for inclusive workplaces, he has courageously shared his personal experiences at conferences and even on the radio. In doing so, he has broken down barriers and become a powerful voice of support for other underrepresented groups.

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Champion: one to watch

The highly commended award went to Julia Jambo from Stantec, an inspiring champion of inclusivity and diversity.

The judges said that her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces shines brightly at her office, where she has significantly contributed to numerous diversity initiatives. She successfully organised the very first Black History Month event, leaving a lasting impact.

Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in establishing the first Employees Resource Group for cultural and ethnic diversity (REACH) across Stantec UK&I offices—a platform that celebrates diverse cultures, raises awareness of diversity, and drives meaningful change within the organisation.

Her efforts extend even further, with her organisation of the Eid Mubarak celebration at her office and her role in creating and presenting the first Latino-focused webinar session across the UK&I, which attracted over 40 attendees. Her innovative and tireless work makes her a true standout.

Sustainability Champion Award: winner

The Sustainability Champion Award went to Mariani de Mattos from Stantec.

A well-deserved recipient of this year's Sustainability Champion Award. Her unwavering passion and dedication to environmental improvement and sustainability have left an indelible mark, with inspiring examples of her work spanning Brazil and the UK.

Her remarkable influence is evident through her support of organisations such as British Water, CIWEM, and the IWA, as well as her influence in industry with clients but also at industry events, with addresses on nature-based solutions and other vital topics.

The glowing testimonials that accompanied her submission highlight her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to championing sustainability in the built environment.

STEM Ambassador of the Year Award: winner

The ICE North East STEM Ambassador of the Year Award went to Zara Hussain from ZTL Contracting Ltd.

She has supported numerous STEM events during 2024, reaching nearly 2000 young people.

The judges were particularly impressed with Zara’s enthusiasm, passion and focus on being an inspiring role model.

They felt she went above and beyond to deliver workshops, presentations, careers fairs, assemblies and a girl-guiding civil engineering day, across the region to children from different ages and backgrounds.

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