VolkerStevin marks completion of key phase at the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme

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.