Past President’s Future Leader named rising star at ICE East of England Merit Awards

Romilly Bobby, an ICE President’s Future Leader under Professor Jim Hall, was named Rising Star of the Year at the 2026 ICE East of England Merit Awards.

Held at Knebworth House and Barns on 10 September, the ceremony celebrated civil and infrastructure engineers, project teams and organisations from across the region.

Romilly was honoured with the prize in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the profession and the wider engineering community.

Alongside her role at Eiffage Génie Civil UK, Romilly has helped strengthen the ICE East of England Early Careers Network, improving committee operations and increasing engagement among members.

The judging panel was particularly impressed by her technical expertise, including her work managing complex temporary works and developing digital tools that improve efficiency and safety.

Her commitment to supporting early career professionals and championing inclusion through initiatives such as Tracks for Change also set her apart.

This year's awards attracted a large number of entries from organisations, project teams and individuals across the region. Winners were presented with their awards by ICE President David Porter.

STEM Ambassador of the Year

Anna Tyler, Mott MacDonald

Anna Tyler received the STEM Ambassador of the Year Award for her dedication to inspiring young people to explore careers in engineering.

Through her involvement with the ICE East of England Early Careers Network, Anna has played an active role in delivering STEM activities and outreach events across the region.

As an Industrial Mentor for the Engineering Development Trust Bronze Project teams, she has supported Year 9 students as they developed solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

Her enthusiasm and commitment continue to encourage more young people to consider STEM opportunities.

Best Infrastructure Project – Small

Harlow LCWIP 9, Jacobs

The Harlow LCWIP 9 (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan) project was recognised for improving active travel infrastructure across Harlow.

Funded by Active Travel England, the scheme delivered 2.3km of upgrades, including safer crossings, improved junctions and enhanced cycling and pedestrian routes.

The project has improved connectivity between residential areas and key destinations while supporting wider ambitions to encourage more sustainable travel and healthier communities.

Best Infrastructure Project – Large

Canvey Island Southern Shoreline, Balfour Beatty

The Canvey Island Southern Shoreline project received the award for Best Infrastructure Project – Large.

Delivered as part of the Thames Estuary Asset Management 2100 programme, the £50 million scheme refurbished and strengthened 3.2km of tidal flood defences that protect more than 6,000 properties on Canvey Island.

The project successfully combined innovative construction techniques and lower-carbon materials to overcome challenging tidal conditions.

Completed on time, within budget and with zero defects, the scheme also delivered apprenticeships, STEM activities and wider benefits for the local community.

Best Project – Sustainability

Cambridge City Council Operational Hub, Mott MacDonald

The Cambridge City Council Operational Hub was recognised for its commitment to sustainable design and long-term environmental performance.

The facility brings together several essential council services within a single operational base, supporting Cambridge City Council's ambition to become net zero by 2030.

A key feature of the project was the reuse of an existing building, significantly reducing demolition waste and embodied carbon.

The all-electric facility incorporates air source heat pumps, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity enhancements and infrastructure that supports low-carbon transport.

Best Project – Asset Resilience

St Germans Pumping Station Resilience, Middle Level Commissioners

The St Germans Pumping Station Resilience project received recognition for helping secure the future of one of the UK's most important land drainage assets.

The pumping station plays a critical role in managing water levels across approximately 70,000 hectares of low-lying land in eastern England.

The project delivered upgrades to control systems, communications infrastructure, site security and renewable energy generation, helping improve operational efficiency, staff safety and long-term resilience.

Team of the Year

Harlow Sustainable Transport Corridor, Essex Highways

The Harlow Sustainable Transport Corridor team was named Team of the Year for its successful delivery of a major transport infrastructure scheme.

The £45 million project forms part of wider investment supporting the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town development.

It includes improved walking and cycling routes, enhanced public transport infrastructure, upgraded crossings and significant public realm improvements.

Alongside its engineering achievements, the project has delivered substantial social value through volunteering programmes, apprenticeships, training opportunities and local employment.

Celebrating engineering excellence across the East of England

This year's winners reflect the breadth of talent, expertise and innovation found across the East of England's civil engineering sector.

Whether improving transport connections, increasing resilience to climate change, reducing carbon emissions or inspiring future engineers, each winner has demonstrated the positive impact civil engineering can have on people's lives and communities.

Katherine Etheridge, regional director, said: “Our winners represent some of the best engineering talent and projects in the East of England.

"Their work is helping create more sustainable, resilient and connected communities, while inspiring the next generation of engineers.

“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists.”