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New category for Waterways Renaissance Awards

30th Jul 2009

The 2010 Waterways Renaissance Awards has opened for entry with an announcement from the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) and The Waterways Trust of a new category for the 2010 Awards.

Flood Risk Management has risen in prominence over the years and following the success of Boscastle Valency Flood Defence, which won a special award at the 2009 Waterways Renaissance Awards, BURA and The Waterways Trust have extended the Awards to include a specific category dedicated to this area.

Sir Peter Soulsby MP, Chairman of the Awards’ assessment panel said: "The inspired engineering behind Boscastle Valency Flood Defence greatly impressed the panel in providing an innovative solution to flood management but it did not neatly fit into any one of the ten categories available. The panel’s view is that inland waterways have a major contribution to make to flood defence and management and that we should both acknowledge the excellence demonstrated in this particular project and in future years establish a new award category for flood management.

Inland waterways make major contribution to flood defence

"I am therefore delighted to announce that the 2010 Waterways Renaissance Awards will be expanded to include a category specifically for flood defence and alleviation projects."

Projects that have successfully combined the provision of security against flood risk with enhanced environmental sustainability and local economic, social and physical development are encouraged to enter the 2010 Waterways Renaissance Awards.

The Awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate exemplary regeneration projects, successful environmental schemes and innovative community initiatives that contribute to the renaissance of the UK’s inland waterways.

Eleven award categories ensure that all entries will receive appropriate consideration from the expert assessment panel. Previous winners range from multi-use developments, nature parks and educational projects changing the lives of disadvantaged young people, to innovative engineering schemes and the restoration of historic canal structures and buildings.

The 2010 Waterways Renaissance Awards are supported by: Defra, Halcrow, Morrison Construction - who have all remained dedicated to the scheme for several years, in addition to a new sponsor, May Gurney.

Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust, said: "Our canals and rivers are continuing to reap the benefits of investment, new ideas, schemes and projects which are helping to transform our waterways into places where we can relax, work and play.

"The Waterways Trust, BURA and our award sponsors recognise the importance of this renaissance being promoted and maintained. These awards enable us to celebrate what has been achieved and spread examples of best practice so everyone can benefit."

Last updated: 06/08/2009