Gwynedd landmark one of Wales' most impressive new structures and restorations

The winners of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards 2024 in Wales have been revealed. Some of the most impressive recent building projects in the country are on the list, including a school, a bridge and a block of apartments.

The annual RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies, with the awards beginning at regional level.

The winners of each region are then shortlisted for the RICS Awards Grand Final, taking place in The Park Plaza Riverbank, London, on Friday, October 4. Each project will compete at UK national level, with one of the national winning projects then being awarded the ultimate accolade of Project of the Year.

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The projects under consideration in Wales were judged across five categories; residential development, community benefit, heritage, public sector, refurbishment-revitalisation. The winners were announced at the regional ceremony in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, at the RICS Wales conference on Tuesday, June 4. Here are the five winning projects in Wales and what the judges had to say about them, WalesOnline reported.

Barmouth Viaduct metallic works - winner of Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project sponsored by HD Sharmans

Barmouth Viaduct is located on the Dovey Junction to Pwllheli line, in the town of Barmouth, situated within Gwynedd County Council. As well as rail it also carries a public footpath and was originally constructed in 1867.

The scope was to undertake a like-for-like superstructure replacement of the Grade II* listed structure and painting and repairs to substructure caissons. The unique methodology was developed taking into account the specific challenges of the location whilst taking into consideration the strong tourist draw associated with Barmouth and the local area. This was completed by Network Rail and Griffiths Contractors.

Fitzalan High School - winner of Public Sector Project

Fitzalan High School serves as a remarkable testament to an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes while positively impacting the local community.

Addressing Cardiff Council's objectives, the project delivers high-quality educational facilities that cater to 21st-century requirements. It reduces maintenance costs while improving access, suitability, and equality. Furthermore, it optimises the use of education infrastructure, maximising efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the benefit of the broader community while exceeding collaborative and innovative opportunities.

Built upon strong community involvement and local collaboration, the new school exemplifies high-quality teaching and learning. A first-class community facility and lasting legacy for students, staff, and the Leckwith community.

Penderyn Distillery and Visitor Centre, Hafod Copperworks, Swansea - winner of the Heritage Project

The Hafod Copperworks Distillery and Visitor Centre is an exemplary example of restoration and preservation according to the judges. The combination of two Grade II listed historical landmarks, once part of a pivotal hub in the copper industry, has been meticulously completed, showcasing a harmonious blend of heritage and modern functionality.

The restoration and contemporary connection were a true collaborative effort from all involved, enabling the integration of a new state-of-the-art distillery. The scheme’s transformative impact is acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration, and stands as a celebration of heritage conservation, promoting a cultural legacy and fostering a renewed sense of local pride.

CRT Hwb Cana - winner of the Community Benefit Project

CRT Hwb Cana was delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust with support from its property arm, CRT Property. The project was designed around the needs of the Penywaun community in south Wales, one of the most deprived communities in the UK, with a high level of local consultation.

The finished building is home to the CRT Together programme which is delivered in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which signposts people living with cancer into local services and the Smart Money Cymru community bank. It is a project which was delivered with the Penywaun community to address their local needs.

The Interchange: Wood Street House, Cardiff - winner of Residential Development

The Interchange has been nominated by ISG and Rightacres and is part of a wider redevelopment of Central Square in the heart of Cardiff.

The Interchange: Wood Street House turned an under-utilised parcel of land into 318 Build-to-Rent apartments. The tight city centre location provided a challenging construction process which required industry leading practices to ensure safe delivery. The 25-storey project not only stands tall on the Cardiff skyline, it reaches new heights in terms of quality, sustainability and social value.

'Hard work and dedication'

Geraint Evans, chair of the Wales RICS Awards judging panel, said: "These winning projects are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of industry professionals in Wales. The talent and collaborative approaches undertaken by the teams behind these projects have resulted in exemplary and innovative schemes that really do represent the very best built projects across Wales.

"RICS is delighted to recognise the hard work that went behind ensuring these projects were delivered successfully and I wish the winning projects the best of luck in the grand final later this year."

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