The UK’s most outstanding recent building projects went head-to-head for top national accolades at the RICS Awards Grand Final last night, where Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs Visitor Centre was awarded Land Management & Sustainable Development project of the year.
Built in the late-19th century, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are a Victorian landmark. After acquiring the site in 2016, Welsh Water worked closely with the local community to transform the site into a health and well-being hub.
The redevelopment includes three projects which opened to the public last year. It comprises of the visitor centre, and community woodland projects as well as the installation of footpaths, funded by the Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being Scheme (ENRaW).
Collectively the projects have transformed the site, providing high quality facilities, green and blue space, and enabling access for all whilst protecting the ecology and enhancing biodiversity on site.
Commenting on the winning project, the judges said: “The tale of a site transformed from being under threat from housing development to becoming a popular community leisure attraction is a worthy winner.
“The project involves community groups, businesses and Government collaborating to create a facility that has used strict and innovative land management and construction practices to improve biodiversity and sustainability.”
Earlier this year the project was shortlisted in the community benefit category in Wales at its regional RICS heat, as well as being shortlisted in the land management & sustainable development category which was judged at national level.
The prestigious annual event, hosted by architectural and interior designer Oliver Heath, was held at the The Park Plaza Riverbank, London on Friday 4th October. The event celebrates the UK’s most inspirational built projects that are having a significant positive impact on the communities they serve.
Category winners of all sizes and budgets from each of the 12 regional RICS Awards competed in the Grand Final for the chance to win their respective category as well as Commercial Development and Land Management & Sustainable development categories which were judged at national level.
The winners of the special category awards for infrastructure, environmental impact, as well as the team awards for outstanding contribution to surveying for SME’s and large firms were announced alongside the Ambassador of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award winners.
Commenting on the grand final winners, RICS UK Awards National Chair, Colin Harrop, said: “The panel of judges had the pleasure of visiting each winner in recent months to truly understand the scale and impact that these projects are having on communities. It’s great to celebrate the success of surveyors across the UK in delivering projects that are having significant impact on individuals and its local area, but also in promoting the important role of our profession.
“The industry continues to navigate its way through various challenges, and RICS is delighted to recognise the unwavering dedication of professionals in successfully ensuring these projects were completed through these awards. These teams and individuals should be incredibly proud of the part they have played in their community and wider local economy.”
