Flood alleviation scheme to protect hundreds of businesses and homes
Work has started on an Environment Agency project to create a large flood storage area that will reduce flood risk to over 870 properties and essential infrastructure in east Hull.
It will have a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres. Design and build contractors, JBA Bentley, will be on site until the end of the year to complete the work.
The green space, south of the old Bransholme dairy farm, will be adapted to store excess water during a flood and then slowly release it back into the drainage system after the peak of the flood has passed.
Work will also improve access and create a network of paths and bridleways.
The project is the second phase of the £28.5m Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme, and follows construction of the new East Hull pumping station.
It forms part of a record £5.2bn investment made by the Government in 2,000 new flood and coastal defences across the country between 2021 and 2027.
It has also been supported with £2.14m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, secured by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (Now Hull & East Yorksire LEP) as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
The Environment Agency is working with Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, National Highways and the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP’s Local Growth Fund programme.
Andrew Barron, Environment Agency flood risk advisor for Hull, said: “It is exciting to see work begin on this project which will reduce flood risk to hundreds of homes and businesses in the North Carr and Sutton areas.
“We can’t prevent all flooding and there are steps people can take to reduce their personal flood risk, like signing up for flood warnings and creating a flood plan.”
A spokesman for JBA Bentley added: “We are excited to get underway on site at Castlehill. We’ve worked hard with the EA to develop a low carbon solution that will benefit local homes and businesses for many years to come.
“Our site team will keep any disruption to a minimum and we thank the local community for their patience as we deliver this important project with the Environment Agency.”
