The £42 million tidal flood scheme, approved by Hull’s planning committee, has now had final sign off from the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Led by the Environment Agency, the Humber Hull Frontage Improvement Scheme will upgrade tidal flood defences at eight locations along the estuary foreshore, including at St Andrew’s Quay and Victoria Dock Village.
The defences will provide a 1 in 200 year standard of protection and will reduce tidal risk for 113,000 homes and businesses. It will see more than 7 kilometres of tidal flood defences along the Humber estuary improved.
Now that the planning application has been approved, preliminary work is due to start at St Andrew’s Quay Retail Park early this year.
Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “I am delighted that the owners of 113,000 homes and businesses in and around Hull will benefit from a fully government funded flood defence improvements which will help for many decades to come.
“This new flood defence scheme costing £42 million from taxpayers’ money has been well supported by the City Council and a number of other key partners, showing what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”
Helen Tattersdale, Project Manager at the Environment Agency said: “We are delighted that the Humber Hull Frontages scheme has been given final approval and look forward to making progress on the ground early in the New Year.”
Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for flood prevention at Hull City Council, said: “We welcome the final decision made by the Secretary of State, and I am pleased he was able to see the value in how important these flood defences are for our city.
“We look forward to seeing the work start on site, and the additional benefits it will deliver for residents and businesses in the area, including brand new public art and a fantastic outdoor green space.”
The scheme will be delivered by contractor BMM JV – a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald – and is expected to be completed by March 2021.
Allan Rogers, framework director for BMMJV said: “Having a role in this significant flood alleviation scheme is inspiring for our teams. We are delighted to be at the heart of the design and efficient delivery of schemes through water engineering and management (WEM), and contributing to the Environment Agency’s target of protecting homes and business’ across England.”
The Environment Agency and local partners are now in the process of developing an advanced approach to managing flooding in tidal areas by the River Humber for the next 100 years. This long-term investment will contribute to securing the viability of Hull and the wider Humber region, ensuring it retains its place as a major contributor to the UK economy.
In addition to the work on the Humber frontage, more than £100m is being invested in river and surface water flooding in Hull and the surrounding area.
