Classic Masonry Ltd has been recognised as part of the project team behind the award-winning repair and restoration of the historic North and South Shields Piers.
This follows the scheme winning the Medium Project Award at the 2026 ICE Robert Stephenson Awards.
The award recognised the quality, technical complexity and collaborative delivery of the scheme, celebrating the successful restoration of the iconic Grade II-listed maritime structures while strengthening their resilience against future storm events.
It also highlights the value of collaborative working, specialist craftsmanship and technical expertise in protecting nationally important heritage assets for future generations.
The project team comprised Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd, Port of Tyne, Total Project Integration, Classic Masonry Ltd and Purcell, with each organisation playing a key role in delivering the complex restoration scheme.
Built to shelter the mouth of the River Tyne from the full force of the North Sea, the piers were severely damaged by Storm Babet in 2023 and closed to the public.
Delivered within a live operational port and harsh marine environment, the project demanded specialist expertise in coastal masonry conservation, heritage restoration and structural stonework reconstruction. Innovative temporary works prevented further damage to the structures while enabling repairs to be carried out safely. The project was designed, procured and delivered within an eight-month programme through close collaboration and the early engagement of specialist delivery partners.
North Shields-based Classic Masonry Ltd is a specialist stonemasonry contractor delivering heritage restoration, conservation and structural masonry projects across the UK. Working across the civil engineering, marine, infrastructure and historic building sectors, the company provides expert craftsmanship in the repair, reconstruction and conservation of listed structures, bridges, retaining walls and other complex masonry assets.
The project involved extensive heritage masonry restoration and reconstruction works across both piers. On the South Pier, approximately 60 metres of sea-facing parapet wall masonry that had become dislodged and severely damaged was carefully removed. A further 10.6-metre curved section had been completely lost to the sea. Over 70 metres of new carved and profiled sandstone and granite was meticulously reconstructed using traditional like-for-like stone masonry techniques and modern structural anchorage systems to preserve the pier’s historic character.
On the North Pier, the works included the reconstruction and repair of 14 profiled parapet wall sections, together with substantial masonry rebuilding and coping stone reinstatement to restore the structural integrity and historic appearance of the structure.
Mike Moody, managing director, Classic Masonry Ltd, said: “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when specialist contractors, engineers and conservation professionals work together towards a common goal.
“Restoring historic masonry in a live marine environment required careful planning, technical expertise and a thorough understanding of traditional stonemasonry techniques. Both piers are important landmarks with a rich maritime heritage and it has been a privilege for our team to contribute to their long-term preservation.
“Recognition at the 2026 ICE Robert Stephenson Awards reflects the quality of the project and the collaborative approach taken by everyone involved.”