West Kirby’s new flood wall has won an award for its design.
AECOM’s design work on the scheme led to them picking up the award for Best Landscape Project at the Merseyside Civic Design Awards.
The judges said: “As a flood defence scheme, the structure is required to fulfil some heavy-duty functions and in less imaginative hands could have been delivered as an uninspired piece of infrastructure that was more of a barrier to people than an asset to the waterfront.
“Instead, the barrier forms attractive and playful seating along the promenade. Allowing people to rest regularly if tired, or just to enjoy the view and an ice cream, is a simple thing, but well executed here with interesting detailing that adds to the visual interest.
“A strong, witty, and appropriately joyful intervention at the water’s edge.”
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said: “Congratulations to AECOM for this award, which recognises the innovative way they designed the West Kirby flood wall scheme.
“Praise should also be extended to the wider project team, including council officers and, of course, Volkerstevin for their work on the construction.
“The ‘wave’ shape and other aspects of the final scheme, including materials and colour, were chosen as a result of direct involvement from local people in the consultation process, so they are also to be congratulated as their ideas ultimately provided the inspiration for the design.”