Altrincham public realm has been named ‘project of the year’ in the medium-sized project category at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West 2024 awards, in recognition of the significant social value and climate resilience benefits it has achieved.

Praising the impact the project has had, the judges said: “Altrincham public realm is an exemplar of what can be achieved to benefit society through excellent placemaking.

“The project has achieved numerous benefits since its completion, including a notable increase in community health and wellbeing, footfall, use of the town centre and new business growth.”

The multi-award-winning project is widely regarded as a blueprint for resilient town centre regeneration, transforming Altrincham from a former ‘ghost town’ to The Sunday Times’ Best Place To Live.

Building on our experience of high street renewal schemes, and utilising our fusion of civil engineering, transport planning, green infrastructure and placemaking, we were appointed alongside landscape architects Planit-IE to deliver public realm improvements to the streets and squares across a large area of the town centre.

The regeneration has been shaped by long-term collaboration with local stakeholders and the community. Active travel, nature-based solutions and climate resilience are at its heart, and new footpaths, crossing points, paving, seating, cycle lanes and tree planting have greatly improved the environment for walking, wheeling and cycling and created a more sustainable future.

Our CEO Stephen O’Malley commented: “Altrincham is a story of how public realm projects can help to create thriving town centres and communities. Vibrancy and positivity are at the heart of the town’s streets and squares, and the project has created a happier, healthier and more cohesive landscape for those that live, visit and work there.

“It’s a story of how, through long-term engagement and connected thinking, we can unlock the power of place and community. We’re immensely proud to have collaborated with a brilliant team and stakeholders, including Trafford Council, Altrincham BID, Altrincham market, Planit-IE, LK Group and others to achieve this latest accolade and share its success with our peers.”

The ICE North West awards celebrate the outstanding work of members, and recognise exceptional projects, teamwork and individual excellence. Congratulations to everyone involved! Find out more about the project here