VBA reaches major milestone in Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme
VBA, a VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and AtkinsRéalis joint venture, has reached a significant landmark in the construction of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
This achievement marks the completion of the second phase of installing innovative glass flood panels that will eventually extend to 577 metres across the full scheme.
The latest installation reflects years of collaboration with local residents and interest groups, whose feedback helped refine the design. The result is a modern flood defence system that protects the town while preserving its historic charm. The scheme combines self-cleaning glass panels with flood walls clad in locally sourced stone, ensuring uninterrupted views of the River Kent and a seamless fit with Kendal’s architectural heritage.
The new glass panels at Waterside, in the centre of Kendal, form part of a multi-million-pound Government investment to improve flood protection for more than 1,920 homes and over 2,250 businesses across Kendal and the Upper Kent area. This long-term commitment aims to strengthen the town’s resilience to future flooding while enhancing the riverside environment for residents and visitors.
To celebrate the milestone, local residents, councillors and project partners gathered on 5 March for an afternoon tea at Waterside Café.
The glass panels installed as part of the Kendal scheme are a bespoke creation developed through a partnership between Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group and materials specialist Kuraray. The panels feature high-performance, self-cleaning glass designed to maximise visibility through slimline frames while maintaining the strength required for flood defence.
Each panel is housed within a high-specification stainless steel frame engineered by Flood Control International, bringing together expertise from leading manufacturers to deliver a robust, elegant and unobtrusive solution. The adjoining flood walls, finished in natural stone from a local quarry, further reinforce the scheme’s commitment to blending innovation with the town’s historic setting.
“Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for everyone involved in the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme. The installation of these innovative glass panels represents not just engineering progress, but a real step forward in protecting the community while preserving the character of the town. Working closely with local residents and partners has been central to shaping a design that is both resilient and respectful of Kendal’s heritage. We’re delighted to see this phase completed and look forward to delivering the remaining elements of the scheme in the months ahead.”
Richard Birchall VBA Senior Project Manager
Richard Knight, Environment Agency’s Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Cumbria said: “The completion of this section of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme is a key milestone. During construction we faced a number of challenges, working riverside over the winter months had its risks, but the most complex element was being able to identify a piling solution that would successfully drill into the rock. This was fundamental to creating the foundations needed for the glass panelled flood wall. The benefit of our works not only reduces flood risk but also strengthens the historic original riverside wall.
“The installation of these specialist glass panels is a very visible part of the flood scheme. We have been able to use glass technology specifically for Kendal to ensure protection, retain views of the river and provide a defence which requires low maintenance for the community.”
