David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West division was recognised and rewarded for Health and Safety Leadership and Innovation at its pioneering Garnett Wharfe development at a gala evening for the ninth annual APS National Awards, held at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel in London.
The awards ceremony, organised by The Association for Project Safety (APS), was underpinned by a serious message; that the work of the sector saves lives and helps ensure the on-going health of those working in construction.
Garnett Wharfe, a brownfield David Wilson Homes development regenerating a derelict paper mill site in Otley, Leeds, is progressing work on 36 brand new luxury riverside apartments, for which its technical site team was recognised with the award presented by TV journalist Louise Minchin.
The scheme includes a hydroelectric project, which involved the installation of two 3.7m diameter screw turbines co-located near the development. A turbine house is located above the turbines, which will house the electromechanical equipment, including the gearbox, generator, control system and transformer.
The scheme also includes a new three-stage Larinier fish pass, which will promote upstream migration, along with a baulk fish pass located at the opposite end of this weir. This will allow fish to move more quickly past the weir, which is currently an impassable barrier for most species.
Alan Carr, Senior Site Manager at Garnett Wharfe, commented:
“Garnett Wharfe is a technically challenging site and we are thrilled to have been awarded for our dedication to Health and Safety Leadership and Innovation whilst constructing the new riverside apartments at the development. To be recognised nationally in this way is such an achievement for the whole team and I continue to be proud of all the work David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is doing in our region, not least at this pioneering site.”
Richard Wilks, APS Board Member and former APS President said: “The Awards ceremony is as much about making sure sector peers have an opportunity to see the best work in our industry and be inspired by it.
“By showcasing the work of the shortlist and winners, we're providing the whole industry with a benchmark of excellence to work towards. It's about collaboration - working together to set standards and raise performance.”
As well as attending the award ceremony, all those on the shortlist spent the afternoon at an exclusive event at the House of Commons, where they met with MPs in the constituencies of their business, the projects or whose parliamentary duties are related to health and safety.
Garnett Wharfe is set along the southern side of the River Wharfe in the attractive market town of Otley. The development benefits from being located in a truly picturesque setting, with homes along the riverbank, open spaces and a pedestrian route leading to Otley town.