The Cleveleys Coast Protection Scheme, which has proved beyond doubt that sea defences can look stunning, has been declared Project of the Year in the national Constructing Excellence Awards 2009.

 

Officers from Wyre Borough Council and Birse Coastal were at Lords cricket ground to accept the top award.

 

Judges were looking for a scheme that demonstrated the highest level of technical achievement, innovation and application of best practice, delivered to time and budget through team working at all levels.

 

Councillor Peter Hawley, Living Economy Portfolio Holder for Wyre Borough Council, said: "We thought we'd done extremely well to pick up the regional prize back in May, but to be named best in the country is a fantastic achievement.

 

"It's no more than the project deserves of course. What Cleveleys has now is so much more than an eye-catching seafront. As well as providing essential flooding defences for thousands of residents, it has also regenerated the town centre and given the people of Cleveleys a real sense of place ownership.

 

"I would personally like to thank everyone involved for the work that went on in the background, such as the environmental and safety aspects of the construction, and for ensuring delivery ahead of time and below budget."

 

Phil Wright, Managing Director of Birse Coastal, added: "Cleveleys Coast Protection Scheme has been a tremendous success from start to finish. The entire team has worked extremely well together to deliver an exceptional project with the support of the local community and I am delighted that this has been recognised with this award."

 

The Cleveleys Coast Defence Scheme comprised construction of 1.1km of precast concrete, creation of an iconic promenade, seating, shelters, feature lighting, a cafe with wind turbines and extensive landscaping.

 

Final touches include a welcome to Wyre arch at the border with Blackpool and an informative artwork dedicated to the Riverdance and other shipwrecks. Concept design approval for these public realm works has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and a funding bid for final approval had been submitted.