EEIF Member Patrick Parsons Consulting Engineers have been commended by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) at their annual Robert Stephenson Awards.
Recognising the technical engineering excellence and ingenuity in design of the Tees International Whitewater Course, for which Patrick Parsons provided full civil and structural design services, the ICE singled the project out of thirteen entrants in their category to receive one of two commendations.
In a multi-million pound upgrade to the Whitewater course at Tees Barrage, Stockton, Patrick Parsons worked alongside Andy Laird from Engineered Paddler Designs (EPD) to create a world-class competitive training facility. The newly upgraded course not only highlights the North East as a destination for sporting excellence; it also showcases the calibre of engineering work in the area.
A major innovation of Patrick Parsons’ design is that Archimedes screws are incorporated into the course to ensure full functionality no matter what the tidal conditions. At low tide the screws generate electricity for the national grid, making the course a net exporter of power – a world first.
Alex Holt, Principal Engineer at British Waterways commented: “It’s obviously an excellent feature of the course that it generates more electricity than it uses. The Archimedes screws are functioning well and are meeting all our expectations across a full range of conditions, particularly under generation. It’s great that a facility that primarily exists for sport and recreation can also contribute towards sustainability.”
Speaking of the award, Peter Stienlet, MD of Patrick Parsons said: “We’re delighted to have had the Tees International Whitewater Course project commended by the ICE in this way. We’re extremely proud of the project and it has enabled us to establish a strong reputation in the White Water market, with several international opportunities arising as a result of it. We are in the final stages of delivering a Whitewater course to be installed in Moscow and I have just got back from Hong Kong where we are in discussions regarding a huge contract with a Water Park. Watch this space!”
ICE President Richard Coakley commented: “All of the projects submitted to these awards prove one important thing on behalf of the civil engineering sector: despite the economy, excellent work is still being conducted and it is improving people’s lives here in the North East. Initiatives such as the Robert Stephenson Awards allow us to celebrate and highlight this excellent work and I congratulate all of those acknowledged.”
For more information on Patrick Parsons please visit www.patrickparsons.co.uk