THE Park and Ride facility in Deeside has scooped a top prize in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE Wales Cymru) Awards 2021.

The awards ceremony, held on December 1, recognises teams and individuals that have delivered some of the best civil engineering projects and achievements across the country.

This year, an exceptionally wide range of entries was received ranging from a £21m through-school building project to a £650k flood protection scheme.

Deeside's Park and Ride facility, which opened in August, won the coveted Bill Ward Sustainability Award.

This prize is presented to the project which best demonstrates the principles of sustainability, i.e. social, economic and environmental benefits of the project during delivery and upon completion.

The category was highly contested reflecting ongoing concern about global warming, climate change and the need to reduce CO2 emissions.

The judges thought that this modest-cost project for Flintshire County Council will help deliver key elements of the North Wales Metro and will better connect surrounding communities with the 9,000 jobs the park provides.

They praised the project team for clearly placing a high value on sustainability in design and construction in the choice of materials, their incorporation in the works and their performance in service. The nomination was submitted by Alun Griffiths (Contactors) Ltd part of the project team.

Keith Jones ICE Wales Cymru Director, said: “This year’s competition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved in battling against many unknowns as the pandemic continues. Sustainability and communities seem to be the backbone of many entries which can only bode well for the future. Our awards are a tribute to civil engineers across the country. We congratulate the winners and thank all entrants”.

Full details of all the shortlisted projects and awards sponsors are available at: www.ice.org.uk/walescymru/awards.

The new Park and Ride scheme has around 275 parking spaces and is located on the edge of Deeside Industrial Peak, near the A494.

Welsh Government funding was used to buy the site which has been developed as part of the North East Wales Metro, enabling workers to travel to work by car before making their onwards journey via shuttle bus around the park.