Transformation of Oxford’s Market Street wins ICE award for ‘Best Infrastructure’
We’re celebrating success at ICE South East Awards 2025 as our project, the transformation of Market Street in Oxford, is awarded ‘Best Infrastructure Project’ of the year.
Our team of civil engineers worked on the project to revitalise the historic street in the heart of the city centre for people to enjoy and relax, in collaboration with Urban Movement, Oxford City Council, Meristem design and ODS.
The accolade celebrates how the scheme has created a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and integrates nature into the city centre.
Social moments have been created throughout the street, with seating and planting arranged at key moments culminating at the Market entrance enabling people to enjoy what they have found in the open air - something which has not been possible before. Construction of the scheme was completed in just three weeks, with minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors.
The judges commented: “We appreciated the team’s interaction with the local community to understand benefits for the scheme and incorporate them into the design. They liked seeing increased footfall metrics that demonstrated before and after benefits along with potential increased trade for local businesses. The increased social and environmental benefits were a huge plus as well.”
This project was led by our associate director Rhys Williams in our London studio. Rhys commented: “Market Street really demonstrates what can be done with a small budget, quick time frame and determined project team. Taking from the highway and regifting to the public.”
Each year, the ICE South East England Engineering Excellence Awards celebrate exemplary civil engineering people and projects across the region.
A huge congratulations to the team that took part in this project.