Major milestone reached on the Leigh FSA project
On behalf of the Environment Agency, VolkerStevin is working to increase the capacity of the Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA), which currently reduces the risk of flooding from the River Medway to 1,200 homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough in Kent. It works by storing peak flood flows in the storage area to minimise flows downstream.
Coinciding with the Environment Agency’s Flood Action week, a major milestone has been reached this month with the installation of a new gate to control the flow of water. Lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane, this is the first of three new gates that will be installed during construction.
The new gates were delivered in pieces and welded together on site. Each gate weighs around 12.5 tonnes – the equivalent to the weight of a single-decker bus!
By replacing the gates and raising sections of the embankment, the FSA will be able to store approximately 25% more water than it does now; in total, over 7 million cubic metres of flood water, that will help to better protect more than 200 additional homes from flooding.
It is expected that the scheme will be completed by the end of 2025.
“We are delighted to be working on this project which will help to protect so many more homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough. The team have made great progress so far and the installation of a new gate was a major milestone for us.”
Josh Hawkins Project Manager for VolkerStevin working on the Leigh Flood Storage Area
Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said: “The completion of this major milestone is a huge achievement and I’d like to thank all those who’ve contributed to getting us to this stage of the project. It takes us a step closer to providing even greater protection from the risk of flooding to local homes and businesses which can have a devastating impact. I look forward to seeing the scheme continue its progress towards completion and much improved flood protection for the people of Tonbridge, Hildenborough and all communities in the Medway catchment.”
Sally Harvey, Environment Agency Deputy Director, Kent, South London and East Sussex, said: “The installation of the new gate is a huge achievement and a great step forward in the project to reduce the flood risk to over 1,400 homes in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.
“People can be assured that the flood storage area will remain operational throughout the project continuing to protect people, homes and businesses.
“Thank you to local residents for the continued patience while the work is ongoing.”
