The recent annual ICE South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2025 were a celebration of innovation and transformative impact across the region. From coastal resilience and digital engineering to water sustainability and inspiring mentorship, the ceremony presented a region that is laying groundwork for a conscious and more sustainable future.
ICE President Jim Hall attended the ceremony and awarded the winners, thanking them for their contribution in making the future of civil engineering more robust and resilient.
Delivering integrated delivery models
UK’s largest Local Authority led FCERM Scheme – The Southsea Coastal Scheme stretches 4.5km from Old Portsmouth to Eastney. Its new defences will reduce the risk of coastal flooding and erosion to more than 10,000 homes, 700 businesses, 3 scheduled monuments and 74 listed structures!
Southsea Coastal Scheme – Sub-frontages 4 & 5 was awarded Best infrastructure project – Large award, as the judges felt that this project has gone beyond its core aim to include zero waste and biodiversity enhancement initiatives, demonstrating strong public engagement and positive community feedback. It was exceptionally well-designed for future enhancement and resilience, adaptive during construction and exceeded expectations for a scheme of this nature.
Benefitting the community
The judges were pleased to see that across categories, projects had kept community benefit high up on their agenda.
One such project was Market Street Oxford, which was took home the Best infrastructure project – Small award. This initiative aimed to revitalise the area to support the historic Covered Market and enhance the urban public realm, creating a space for people to enjoy the city and relax.
Ther judges appreciated the team’s interaction with the local community to understand benefits for the scheme and incorporate them into the design. The increased social and environmental benefits were a huge plus as well.
Another project that the judges voted for was Port of Dover 2050: Empower Exchange. They won Team of the year as their long-term vision for the UK’s most strategic port included sustainability, digital transformation, and economic development. Their plan supported national growth while anchoring local prosperity and environmental stewardship.
And the project continuous level of engagement with the local community; both residential and business led to its win!
Building resilient infrastructure
Future proofing that helps both the infrastructure and our planet, ABP Solent Gateway – Marine Infrastructure won the Best project – Asset maintenance award. The £20 million investment in upgrading and extending the existing Falklands Jetty structure improved the Freeport’s current underutilisation due to limitations in its marine capacity and infrastructure.
Among other things, the upgrading included corrosion protection for existing piles using pile wrapping and impressed current cathodic protection to extend their lifespan and the overall structure.
The judges appreciated that the work carried out significantly enhanced the capability of the existing asset with limited impact on surrounding areas.
Water resource management for the win
Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project was awarded with the Best project – Innovation award as this project will be providing a new sustainable source of water, delivering up to 90 million litres of water a day during a drought!
A central pillar of Southern Water’s Water for Life – Hampshire programme, it is set out to create a new sustainable source of water that will help keep the county’s taps and rivers flowing for many generations to come.
The judges felt that Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project showed very high standards! While the method of data management used may not be new, utilising it on such a large scale while saving time showed great initiative.
Celebrating the people behind the scenes
Recognising talent across the board the awarded also had a set of people awards that recognised civil engineering talent in the South East.
STEM Ambassador of the year was awarded to Ruth Chapman of Mackley. Her tireless outreach to schools, colleges, and universities has made her an inspiration for young people considering careers in engineering.
The judges congratulated her, on her work with stakeholders, local community and educational establishments as well as her support for Mackley’s wider STEM ambitions and Social Value program.
Jiahui Chen from Ramboll became this year’s Rising star of the year. His innovative approach to digitalising the design process is streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration across disciplines made his application stand out.
The judges acknowledged his dedication to including colleagues across diverse teams and engaging with students, demonstrating a passion for civil engineering and the future of the industry.
Mentor of the year was awarded to Dominik Fecher of Mott MacDonald Bentley. He was recognised for his hands-on mentorship style. His willingness to educate and empower his mentees has equipped them to tackle complex challenges.
The judges noted that it was a very strong nomination by someone who clearly values this person’s mentorship!
The evening was supported by Reception sponsors Waterman Aspen, Berryrange and Balfour Beatty. Along with category sponsor for Team of the year – Mackley.
Chosen charity for the awards was the ICE Benevolent Fund.
To find more about the ICE South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2025 winners, please visit ICE South East England Awards – Recognising Excellence | Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
