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- Stephen Beggs: Conservation Accredited Engineer (CARE)
We are delighted to announce that Stephen Beggs, structural engineer at Curtins, has been formally admitted to the Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE), jointly administered by the Institutions of Civil and Structural Engineers. This prestigious register recognises civil and structural engineers with proven expertise in the conservation of historic structures and sites and currently includes just over 100 professionals nationwide.
Stephen’s accreditation follows a rigorous process involving a detailed submission of five conservation case studies and a formal interview, requiring around 100 hours of preparation. It reflects the depth of scrutiny and calibre of experience needed to hold CARE status.
Stephen comments: “I’m delighted to have achieved CARE status. The conservation of historic assets not only preserves our country’s rich heritage but allows their ongoing use so that they can continue to be a valued part of people’s lives."
As Business Unit Director in our Bristol office, Stephen holds more than 30 years of experience working as an engineer, client, trustee and board advisor to various heritage projects. His portfolio includes long-standing involvement with nationally significant structures within this highly specialised field, including Curtins’ current work on the Newport Transporter Bridge.
The Grade I listed steel bridge is one of the world’s most complete and working transporter bridges, and an important part of Welsh industrial heritage. Stephen, alongside our teams in Cardiff and Bristol, has delivered specialist conservation engineering input to the 20th century bridge over the last 7 years to safeguard its future.
“Conservation engineering involves understanding the structures, undertaking the minimum of intervention, and planning their ongoing care and maintenance. Adopting this approach is highly sustainable too. As engineers, we’re increasingly being asked to use what we have, rather than build new. This approach is one that challenges our engineers to deliver careful and creative solutions alongside better carbon outcomes, and in both cases our lineage with history is preserved.”
For Curtins, the specialised engineering required for the conservation of heritage structures has been a part of our own history since the early 80s. Our founder Bill Curtin was a key contributor to the restoration of Liverpool’s Grade I Royal Albert Dock – a pioneering approach at the time.
Stephen’s appointment to the CARE Register further strengthens our capability, particularly in the South West, and reflects our continued alignment with the ICE/IStructE’s conservation principles.
