Plymouth Highways Construction News Awards Finalist!

Plymouth Highways are thrilled to announce that they have been shortlisted as finalists in the Construction News Awards for the Project of the Year (under ￡20m) Category! The ongoing Sustainable Drainage scheme at Central Park in Plymouth has been shortlisted for the award due to the extraordinary effort of the team and positive impact that the works have had in both an Environmental and Sustainable capacity.

The objective of the Central Park Sustainable Drainage System remodelling scheme in Plymouth was to transform excess water from a problem, into a resource, for the local community and wildlife existing in the area. The project involved re-landscaping a large area of Central Park, the installation of additional ponds, swales and Geo-Grow systems. This has provided a nature-based solution to flooding by using a sustainable drainage system, thus managing surface water and providing a space for wildlife and people.

The Central Park SuDS project contributes to a greener future, aids carbon efficiency and improves the potential for wildlife improvements. This project has expanded the previously inaccessible pond and created two others to form a natural, sustainable urban drainage system. We have installed multiple viewing points and seating so that the park can be appreciated by all and allow people to get close to nature. Our information boards provide a platform from which people can learn about the benefits of water conservation and how this can positively impact wildlife and the environment. We have conserved heritage features that already exist in the park and repurposed materials to ensure we retain the cultural elements of Plymouth. The retaining walls are a proprietary “GeoGrow” system installed in small bags stacked on top of each other which interlock initially but after time the “living” element comes into play, where roots and vegetation take hold providing additional stability. Little to no maintenance is required for this system making it an environmentally sound initiative that has seen great success with this project and adheres to our environmentally friendly objectives.

Endorsement from Plymouth City Council (client for the scheme): “Throughout the delivery of the Central Park SuDS project, South West Highways have managed to supersede expectations in the undertaking of this large and complex scheme. They achieved completion of the works in a timely fashion, whilst balancing the workload of the Term Maintenance Contract. Their dedication, determination and resilience throughout the scheme resulted in the production of high-quality work. We are extremely pleased with the outcome and the positive feedback received from the public; we look forward to collaborating on future projects.” – Phil Bellamy, Plymouth City Council Head of Service.

Plymouth Highways are extremely proud of this achievement and look forward to the Award Ceremony in July 2024. Congratulations to the whole team for their incredible effort and getting the recognition that they deserve!