Environment Minister opens VBA Flood Defence project
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey visited Morecambe today to officially open the Lancashire town’s new Wave Reflection Wall. VBA, a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, was the main contractor throughout the three year project.
Led by Lancaster City Council in partnership with the Environment Agency, the wall consists of 4km of reinforced concrete defences that will provide protection against a major flood event.
“VBA is extremely proud to be involved in a scheme that brings a wide range of benefits to the local community, not only protecting homes and businesses from flooding, but providing a lasting legacy to residents and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.”
Richard Walsh Project manager at VBA
The Wave Reflection Wall will reduce flood risk to 11,400 homes and has a design life of 100 years, taking into consideration climate change and rising sea levels.
Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “Morecambe’s new Wave Reflection Wall, which has been entirely funded by the government, is absolutely fabulous and I want to thank the Council and other partners in their support in achieving this.
“I also want to thank local MP David Morris who worked tirelessly to make the case for nearly £11m of investment into this flood defence, better protecting more than 13,000 homes and businesses as well as the local tourism industry from the risk of flooding.”
The wall is designed aesthetically to fit in with the local environment and also includes an acknowledgment to late local legend Eric Morecambe - with the shape of his glasses engraved in an end section.
