VolkerStevin marks completion of key phase at the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme
VolkerStevin has completed a major milestone on behalf of the Environment Agency with the successful delivery of Phase 1 of the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The final stage of works along Riverside has now been completed, enabling the reopening of South Meadow Lane as well as the riverside footpath and cycleway, restoring key access routes for the local community. The project, which commenced in 2022, represents an investment of over £55 million and encompasses works across Broadgate and Riverside in Preston, as well as Lower Penwortham.
The VolkerStevin team has delivered a comprehensive package of flood defence infrastructure designed to provide long-term resilience while maintaining the character and accessibility of the riverside environment. This includes the construction of approximately 2km of new flood defence walls, some of which are topped with integrated glass panels to preserve views while forming an integral part of the flood protection system. In addition, around 0.6km of existing defences in the Frenchwood and Walton Green areas have been inspected and maintained to ensure continued performance.
A significant element of the works involved the creation of a 20,000-tonne clay embankment, providing robust protection against flood risk, alongside the installation of four new floodgates. These gates are designed to remain open under normal conditions and will only be closed by Environment Agency staff when flood warnings are in place.
The delivery of the scheme required careful planning and innovative engineering solutions, particularly in response to challenging ground and bedrock conditions encountered along the Riverside section. VolkerStevin worked closely with the Environment Agency and key stakeholders to successfully overcome these challenges, ensuring safe and efficient delivery while minimising disruption to local residents and businesses.
In parallel with the construction works, considerable emphasis was placed on delivering wider community and environmental benefits. Public realm improvements have been completed at Miller Park, including a resurfaced and enhanced entrance area featuring a ‘Welcome to Miller Park’ motif. Broadgate Gardens has been relandscaped, with new seating installed to improve usability, and a small insect-friendly habitat has been created at Ribble Sidings in Lower Penwortham to support biodiversity.
The scheme has also planted nearly 14,000 trees, of these, more than 10,000 trees and hedges have been established on the floodplain at Fishwick Bottoms, contributing to habitat creation and long-term ecological value.
Particular care was taken to ensure the works were sympathetic to the historic environment. In the vicinity of Penwortham Old Bridge, a Grade II listed structure, specialist stonemasons were engaged to seamlessly integrate the new flood defences with the existing heritage fabric. Similarly, a concrete artist was commissioned to ensure that works around the nearby gas pipe bridge were delivered with sensitivity to their surroundings.
“The completion of Phase 1 of the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme is a significant achievement for everyone involved. Delivering works of this scale and complexity, particularly in challenging ground conditions along Riverside, required a high level of technical expertise, careful planning and close collaboration with the Environment Agency and our partners. We are proud to have delivered infrastructure that will provide long-term protection to thousands of properties while also enhancing the local environment and public spaces. We would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout construction, and we are pleased to see these areas now reopened for public use.”
Phil Mahon VolkerStevin Site Agent
Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Richard Knight, said: “The completion of this section of the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme is a key milestone. During construction we overcame a number of challenges, most notably the difficult ground and bedrock conditions along Riverside. We thank local residents and businesses for their patience.”
“This Scheme will help protect thousands of properties in the area from the devastating effects of flooding. Climate change is making extreme weather events more common, emphasising the need for improved defences along the Rivers Ribble and Darwen.”
Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said: “Climate change is increasing the risk of extreme weather events in the local area, so the completion of these extensive flood defences will make a huge difference in protecting our residents and their homes along the riverbank, should we experience extreme weather and risk of flooding in the future.
“Along with being safe from future flooding, we’re delighted to also have a fantastic and welcoming new entrance to Miller Park, which everyone can enjoy.
“We thank the Environment Agency, contractors VolkerStevin, and everyone involved in the scheme for the great work involved in a project of this magnitude. We also thank residents and businesses in the area for their patience whilst works were ongoing.”
The completion of Phase 1 marks a significant step forward in enhancing flood protection for thousands of properties in the Preston and South Ribble area.
