Engineering news
Engineering and design consultancy Arup has been awarded this year’s Major Project Award by the Royal Academy of Engineering for its role in the redevelopment of London’s King’s Cross area over the last 35 years.
Five of Arup’s top engineers - John Turzynski, Peter Evans, Ian Gardner, Mike Byrne and Jim Burridge - have been recognised for what the Academy describes as their outstanding contribution to the delivery of a number of large projects “that have transformed King’s Cross from a run-down district into a new city quarter and a magnificent multi-modal transport interchange.”
The Royal Academy of Engineering Major Project Award is given to engineers who have delivered a major engineering project that has had a substantial impact on society. Arup’s engineers join ranks with Sir John Armitt, who received the award in 2012 for delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure in East London.
Arup’s engineers played a central role in the regeneration of key historic landmarks as well as the wider area. The company was involved in the three major station projects – St Pancras International, King’s Cross and St Pancras Underground Station, and in the redevelopment of King’s Cross mainline station. The team has also been involved in the development of nearby iconic buildings in particular the British Library and Kings Place.
Tursynski said: “The engineering challenges at each station were different and covered a range from heavy civil engineering, tunnelling, rail, deep basement construction, renovation of multiple Grade 1 listed buildings, long span roofs, complex utility diversions and many more.
“On the major building projects at the British Library and King’s Place, Arup engineers and consultants were at the forefront of developing novel and exemplary techniques. For the British Library this included significant advances in deep basement construction and piling technology.”
Sir John Parker GBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering commented: “The renovation of the King’s Cross area is a stunning example of sustained engineering achievement and urban design within very specific design constraints. The reimagined King’s Cross station, for example, is a testament to the elegance of modern engineering solutions and a powerful demonstration of the vital importance of engineering to the UK economy.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Great feats of British engineering have helped to shape the world in which we live today. Arup has embraced our nation’s engineering prowess and transformed the King’s Cross area beyond all recognition, turning it into a thriving new commercial, residential and business centre.”
HRH The Princess Royal will present the award at the Academy's annual awards dinner at London's Royal Opera House on 2 July.