THE CARMEN’S VIVA SHIELD
Heatherwick Studio, Wrightbus Ltd
and Transport for London
for the New Bus for London, designed to succeed the iconic RouteMaster, which served the metropolis for fifty years. Designed to maintain the central London bus as a recognisable trade mark for capital and country, and functionally effective people mover, the NBL will operate up to 20 hours daily, 364 days a year, offering rapid access, including the traditional hop-on, hop-off facility, 40% increased fuel efficiency and radical assymetric glazing, all designed and delivered within four years of inception. The NBL offers significant innovation and improvement to London’s mobility and streetscene and is a tribute to originators, designers and builders alike.
THE SIR HENRY ROYCE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION AWARD
Network Rail & Balfour Beatty
for the Blackfriars Station redevelopment, constructed by Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd. Part of the £5.5 billion Thameslink improvement, it enables through running by 12-car trains for the first time and capacity for more trains every hour; a major enhancement of commuter links and Bedford-Brighton through services. To minimise carbon footprint Blackfriars Bridge will acquire a roof with 6,000 square metres of solar panels, generating 50% of the station’s electricity. The City will gain a major new station, the first to span the Thames, combining the best of 19th and 21st century engineering; a symbol of the future, respecting London’s proud history.
THE CARMEN’S ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
The Highways Agency
for the A3 Hindhead Tunnel scheme, designed by Mott McDonald and constructed by Balfour Beatty. Passing beneath National Trust land at Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punchbowl, the approaches to the new tunnel have been extensively landscaped. The old A3 has been closed to traffic, enabling walkers, cyclists and horse riders to use the network of paths across the Common without disturbance. This £371m project includes many new, traffic-free paths and crossings and has enhanced the integrity of a renowned beauty spot, while greatly easing traffic flow between London and the south coast.
THE CARMEN AWARD OF MERIT
Chiltern Railways
for Phase One of its Evergreen 3 Development Project, upgrading the Marylebone-Birmingham main line to permit 100 mph running over the majority of its length. This has been significantly reduced journey times by up to 27% creating an effective main line service for the Midlands, Oxfordshire and Bucks, and attracting more travellers from their cars. This has been accomplished without any public subsidy.
