WHITECODE PROJECT WINS RIBA EAST AWARD 2023

City Park West in Chelmsford stands proudly as a distinguished, multi award-winning endeavour. The remarkable project showcases a residential cityscape, thoughtfully designed to encompass both affordable and market housing, alongside restaurants, community facilities, and public landscaped areas. Emphasis was placed on completely transforming the once abandoned brownfield site, in order to breathe new life into the city. Works started in 2008 with phase 1 built by Bouygues and phase 2 built by Higgins Group. The works were completed in 2019, with the final development including five brick buildings, a 14-storey tower, integrated with four public squares and three refurbished buildings.

Sustainability was at the core of the project, with embodied energy considered throughout every stage of the development. Whitecode provided its expertise in Mechanical, Engineering, Plumbing and Heating (MEPH) on the project, through detailed designs, expert advice and thorough inspections. Specifically, Whitecode provided a large single energy centre, which fed the entire development, along with two CHP engines and large thermal stores.

The project has garnered prestigious recognition, securing a coveted RIBA Region Award in the ‘RIBA East’ category. Judges were impressed by the project’s resounding success in enhancing the vibrancy of the city, along with its commitment to environmental excellence. Notably, the attention to detail in crafting landscaped public spaces and incorporating sustainable engineering, thanks to the innovative solutions implemented by Whitecode, which further elevated the project’s acclaim.

Commenting on the win, Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode said: “This was a huge project, and our dedication to expert consultancy, designs and inspections helped to ensure efficiency and sustainability was considered at every stage. Due to the length of the scheme, the team became very close and many of us started in junior roles but finished the project having worked up to senior positions, it was a great team to work alongside. Securing this award stands as testament to the commitment of our exceptional team throughout this transformative project.”