The renovation of Northumberland Square and Howard Street in North Shields has been recognised in a shortlist for a civil engineering award.
The Institute of Civil Engineers is considering the recently regenerated Northumberland Square and Howard Street for a Robert Stephenson Award, an award for civil projects costing between £1m to £5m.
North Tyneside Council, with its partner Capita, began works on the square in September 2021 to, according to the local authority, return the square to its "Georgian layout of footpaths and a perimeter of trees". The project forms part of the authority's "masterplan" for North Shields.
The award, according to the Institute: "Recognise projects that demonstrate excellence in concept, planning, design, construction, demolition, maintenance or operation."
It comes despite Northumberland Square experiencing some incidents of vandalism in recent months. The Wooden Dolly statue, in the centre of the square, suffered at the hands of vandals in December last year to such an extent repair work was estimated to take months.
Plants were also uprooted and scattered across the square in another act of vandalism last month. In addition, the square was closed off by police while the fire services tackled a blaze at a nearby commercial building on Thursday night.
Councillor Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside and cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Square and surrounding area transformed back to its Georgian-era appearance, with residents and visitors enjoying the new layout.
“We are delighted to hear the first phase of our ambitious North Shields Masterplan shortlisted for the North East ICE Awards.
“The reshaping of Northumberland Square and Howard Street creates a welcoming modern feel and tranquil, pleasant and more flexible space in this historic part of the town for events and leisure activities that everyone can enjoy, adding to the appeal of the town centre and complementing the other North Shields regeneration projects that are now well under way.
“Thank you to all of our colleagues and partners who worked on this project and made it possible. We’ll have our fingers crossed for the award ceremony in March.”
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