VBA has installed sample flood wall panels along the River Kent in Kendal
VBA, a VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins joint venture, has revealed the sample flood panels on the River Kent, near Little Aynam, as part of phase one works on the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The sample flood wall panels have been installed opposite the Flood Hub, in the centre of Kendal, to allow residents to visualise what the completed £76 million Flood Risk Management Scheme will look like. Once complete, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the River Kent catchment.
The panels show several different finishes to the flood defence walls, that received planning permission for construction. Through the centre of Kendal, the finish will predominantly re-use existing stone, or natural stone cladding, sourced from a local quarry. In some of the outer areas, imprinted concrete will be used, replicating natural stone. In the industrial areas, where the walls will be much less visible, smooth finished concrete will be used.
The installation of these sample flood wall panels was a requirement of the planning conditions set by South Lakeland District Council, and the panels will remain on site throughout the construction of the flood scheme.
Richard Birchall, VolkerStevin project manager, said: “Kendal is a historic market town, with a blend of old and new buildings, and features of varied styles and finishes.
“The design of the flood risk management scheme will be sympathetic to this, with a number of finishes to the flood defence walls – including existing stone, natural stone cladding and imprinted concrete. These panels are a great way of showing the public exactly how the wall finishes, and finished scheme, will look.”
Stewart Mounsey, for the Environment Agency, said: “Residents in Kendal are now able to visit the Little Aynam area to see the different flood wall finishes, to get a feel for how the flood defences will look, once phase one of the Flood Risk Management Scheme is complete.
“Ground investigation and data gathering works will be continuing in Kendal over the coming weeks, with all work being undertaken in line with government guidance.”
More information about the Kendal flood scheme can be found on the flood hub - https://thefloodhub.co.uk/kendal/.