The George St makeover won a Silver Award at the recent New Zealand Association of Consulting and Engineering (ACE) Awards, in Christchurch.
AECOM New Zealand, the infrastructure consultants behind the project, were recognised for their collaborative approach to designing innovative solutions for George St that resulted in a more people-friendly space and improved accessibility and created a better experience for inner city visitors.
A key challenge for the project was to replace underground infrastructure, including water pipes that were up to 150 years old; and given that the city centre had been developed over time, the area was extremely constricted with utilities.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the project attracted controversy and some criticism, particularly around whether the street would become one-way or two-way, and the amount of disruption to retailers and customers caused by the underground infrastructure replacement.
"But the majority of people, including the retailers, were happy to have the street done up.
"And to have the finished product look as good as it does, is certainly gratifying.
"I think it looks great. It looks worthy of awards, absolutely."
Mr Radich praised the team working on it, for "pulling out all the stops" to get it completed as quickly as possible.
"Some of the retailers were getting tired of the constant disruption from the roadworks near the end of it," he said.
ACE New Zealand chief executive Helen Davidson said AECOM was one of 10 Silver Award winners at the ceremony.
The awards judges were impressed with AECOM’s ability to overcome challenges, provide innovative and resilient solutions, and deliver value for money, she said.
"This was a complex project in a busy area that required excellent consultants.
"Huge congratulations to the AECOM team — everyone involved in this project can be really proud of their achievements."
The ACE Awards celebrated New Zealand’s best consultants working in the built and natural environment, who went above and beyond "business as usual" to deliver projects and initiatives, she said.
