The Mourne Wall Restoration Project had double success at the recent Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) NI Awards. The project received the Building Conservation Award and was also crowned the overall winner of all categories as the prestigious Project of the Year 2019.
Northern Ireland’s most innovative and community beneficial property projects competed for the top honours at the annual RICS Awards. The ‘Project of the Year’ title is presented to the scheme which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area. RICS judges commended the collaboration between stakeholders to overcome the many challenges in completing the project, whilst working to minimise impact on the environment so future generations can continue to enjoy this exceptional landmark.
The extensive project was delivered for client NI Water by Geda Construction along with RPS, Mourne Heritage Trust, Thomas Rooney & Sons Stone Masons and Skyhook Helicopters. The £1.6m project took place in the stunning Mourne Mountains and involved descendants of the original wall builders. The project consisted of over 600 repairs along the entire 22 mile wall length and has restored the wall back to the original condition as it would have been over 100 years ago. With a shared understanding and agreement of a common goal the project team worked together and showed the power of persistence- reflecting the qualities of the hardy original Mourne Stone Masons.
The Mourne Wall Restoration Project is now through to the RICS UK Grand final in London in October where the project will compete against the very best projects from all over the UK to be crowned overall UK Winner.