Construction of a multi-million pound scheme to protect thousands of homes and businesses in Hull from flooding from the Humber estuary has been given the go-ahead.
The £42 million flood alleviation scheme has now had final sign-off from local government secretary James Brokenshire.
It was approved by Hull’s planning committee earlier this month – on the fifth anniversary of the 2012 tidal surge that caused devastation to the city.
Led by the Environment Agency, the Humber Hull Frontage Improvement Scheme will upgrade tidal flood defences at eight locations along the estuary foreshore, including at St Andrew’s Quay and Victoria Dock Village.
The defences will provide a one in 200-year standard of protection and will reduce tidal risk for 113,000 homes and businesses.
It will see more than seven kilometres of tidal flood defences along the Humber estuary improved.
Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for flood prevention at Hull City Council, said: “We welcome the final decision made by the Secretary of State, and I am pleased he was able to see the value in how important these flood defences are for our city.
“We look forward to seeing the work start on site, and the additional benefits it will deliver for residents and businesses in the area, including brand new public art and a fantastic outdoor green space.”
Opportunities for public art and community involvement will be integrated at areas including Victoria Dock Village.
The design will include glass panels to maintain a view of the waterfront and recessed sections to display artistic works.
Opportunities for public art and community involvement will be integrated at areas including Victoria Dock Village and St Andrew’s Quay Retail park.
Preliminary work is due to start at St Andrew’s Quay Retail Park early this year.
Floods Minister Therese Coffey said: “I am delighted that the owners of 113,000 homes and businesses in and around Hull will benefit from a fully government funded flood defence improvements which will help for many decades to come.
“This new flood defence scheme costing £42 million from taxpayers’ money has been well supported by the city council and a number of other key partners, showing what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”
Helen Tattersdale, Project Manager at the Environment Agency said: “This £42 million investment is great news for the city as it will allow us to better protect thousands of homes and businesses. We will continue to keep residents and businesses affected by our work informed about the scheme at every stage of its development.”
This £42m investment links to a further £16m investment in tidal flood defences either side of Hull at Paull and Hessle, which is being delivered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Both projects are part of a number of tidal flood alleviation projects that form part of the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy. The Environment Agency and local partners are now in the process of developing an advanced approach to managing flooding in tidal areas by the River Humber for the next 100 years.
