Newhaven flood defence project reaches significant milestone

The Environment Agency has announced the completion of its work on the west bank of the River Ouse as part of a major flood defence scheme.

The Newhaven flood alleviation scheme was developed in partnership with Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South East LEP.

The works will reduce flood risk to 244 homes, 88 commercial properties and vital infrastructure.

JacksonHyder are designing and building the scheme.

Construction has initially focused on the west bank of the River Ouse, where defences will protect mainly residential properties. The work has included: building a 150-metre-long bund north of Cantell’s Boatyard; building a 130-metre wall built along the edge of the footpath either side of Denton Island Bridge; realigning and raising the flood defence bund at the rear of Huggett’s Green; building a 140-metre-long reinforced concrete wall; and raising 20 metres of flood defence bund in West Quay.

Focus now is shifting to work on the east bank, which is expected to be completed by 2019. Once finished, it will reduce flood risk to approximately 430 homes and 390 commercial properties and vital infrastructure, as well as bringing economic benefits to the coastal East Sussex town.

The whole scheme will cost around £18 million. The majority of funding is to come from government in the form of Flood and Coastal Risk Management Grant in Aid (GIA). The ‘Coast to Capital’ and ‘South East’ Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEDs) are each contributing £1.5 million as part of their wider commitment to the regeneration of Newhaven.

Gordon Wilson, area flood and costal risk manager, Environment Agency, said: “I am delighted that works have been completed on the west bank at Newhaven, and that residents and businesses will now benefit from a significantly reduced flood risk. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Newhaven community for their support and encouragement throughout the construction period and ask for their continued forbearance, as there will inevitably by some disruption whilst this essential work is completed.

“When the flood alleviation scheme is completed in 2019, it will reduce the tidal flood risk to hundreds of homes and a significant number of commercial properties in the area, as well as protecting important local infrastructure such as the road network, railway tracks and the train station. We believe that it will also contribute to the wider regeneration of Newhaven, helping to bring new investment, jobs and homes to the town, and the surrounding area.”

Jonathan Sharrock, chief executive at Coast to Capital, said: “With the impact of adverse weather being felt across the world and the UK, improving flood defence resilience is of huge importance. We are thrilled to have contributed to a project which will not only protect the economic, social and environmental assets of Newhaven but will also have a direct impact on enhancing regional growth.”

Isabelle Linington, cabinet portfolio holder for environmental impact, said: “I am very pleased that work is now completed on the west bank which takes us one step further to completion of this scheme that is so vital for local residents, businesses and community.”