VBA reaches important milestone on £76 million Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme
VBA, a VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins, Member of SNC Lavalin group joint venture, has reached an important milestone on the £76 million Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, with the completion of a new 600mm flood wall at Romney Garden.
Natland Road has seen a similar development, with a new flood wall built alongside Ford Park and the nearby riverside footpath. The flood wall varies in height from 300mm – 500mm and is finished in an imprinted stonework pattern.
Construction began on 15 February for phase one of the proposed three phase Kendal Flood Risk Management scheme. Kendal is the first phase to be delivered, with Burneside, Staveley and Ings being the second. The third phase will involve the completion of flood storage in the upper catchment of the River Kent. Once all three phases are complete, the Kendal scheme will directly reduce flood risk to approximately 1,480 homes and 1,150 businesses in the area, and will reduce the risk further, to a 1 in 100-year standard of protection.
The team has also undertaken landscaping and tree planting. Over 1,900 ornamental shrubs and plants and seven new trees have been planted. The mixture of species will bring a diverse habitat for insects and provide extensive foraging for birds and other wildlife. It will also be an area the community and visitors can enjoy.
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for Cumbria said: “Our thanks go to residents and businesses once again for their patience, whilst we carry out these essential works as part of the overall flood scheme. Our teams are working hard to make sure any work and disruption is kept to a minimum.
“Once completed, the £76 million flood scheme will better protect homes and businesses from flooding in the Kent catchment and improve the local environment and community amenities.”
“With some smart planning, we were able to deliver this part of the scheme without removing any riverside trees. We have made a commitment to the people of Kendal to improve the river corridor in the town, with extensive tree planting throughout.”
"We are delighted to have reached this key milestone and complete this first phase of work. The team has worked collaboratively with the Environment Agency to complete the work with minimum disruption. The Kendal scheme will bring a wide range of benefits to the local community, which go above and beyond the flood protection it will provide.”
Richard Birchall VBA project manager
