Project Manager Jason Hunt MCIOB lands prestigious CIOB CMYA award

A Construction Manager who was the driving force behind a multi-million-pound transformation of a cultural landmark has been named the Chartered Institute of Building’s Construction Manager of the Year. 

Jason Hunt faced stiff competition from dozens of finalists across a variety of categories to claim the top gong following his project to refurbish Bristol Beacon, the city’s largest concert hall. 

His leadership inspired a team to complete the incredibly complex project in less than five years, navigating challenges including hollow brickwork columns and hidden Elizabethan wells in the basement. 

Speaking after picking up his award, Jason, who also claimed top prize in the Construction Manager, Renovation and Restoration category, said he was honoured to be selected by the judges. 

He added: "I’m absolutely speechless, it’s a fantastic award for me, the project and the industry at large. It’s great to be recognised and I am proud to have done it, but it wasn’t without its heartache. 

“We knew it was a special project when we took it on and it grew and grew. There were a lot of challenges, but to achieve what we did, as a Bristolian, is great." 

Finalists gathered alongside scores of spectators at a glittering, black-tie event at London's Hilton Metropole Hotel on 15 May as they eagerly awaited the results. 

Other award categories on the night included Rising Star, which was scooped up by Rohit Malhotra MCIOB of AtkinsRéalis and Sustainability Award, won by Ian Pritchett of Greencore homes. 

Other winners included:  

• Construction Manager, High Rise Accommodation – David John MCIOB, Willmott Dixon 
• Construction Manager, Low Rise Accommodation – Graham Potts, Kier Construction 
• Construction Manager, Education – Michael Braiden MCIOB, Morgan Sindall  
• Construction Manager, Public – Steve Fennell MCIOB, Bovis Construction 
• Construction Manager, Commercial and Leisure - Graham Mercer MCIOB, Skanska UK 
• Construction Manager, Healthcare – Dean Williams, Kier Construction  
• Team Award – Norton Folgate Delivery Team, Skanska UK 
• Client Award – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service 
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion Individual Award – Gary Jones MCIOB, House of Parliament 
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion Team Award – Be One, Dobuild 

Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive Officer at CIOB, added: “Jason’s achievement represents the very best of what construction management can deliver – exceptional leadership, technical excellence, along with dedication and commitment in the face of complexity. 

The CIOB Awards celebrate individuals who deliver outstanding results and Jasons’ work at Bristol Beacon, which I have had the privilege of visiting, is a shining example of that. On behalf of CIOB, I congratulate him and all this year’s remarkable winners.”