A £120m project to prevent flooding in the West Country could boost the regional economy by up to £1.4bn and create thousands of jobs, according to those behind the scheme.
Some 17km of new flood defences have been installed in the Avonmouth and Severnside area - stretching from Lamplighter’s Marsh in the south to Aust Cliff in the north - in a bid to provide long-term protection to communities. It is understood to be the largest scheme of its kind ever undertaken in the region.
The new infrastructure includes earth embankments, flood gates, and sheet pile walls, as well as glass panels that help protect against flooding while preserving the area’s scenic views.
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Those behind the project say it will "unlock the full potential" of the Avonmouth and Severnside enterprise area - a 1,800-hectare economic hub stretching five miles along the Severn Estuary.
Councillor Chris Willmore, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, said the completion of the project marked "a major achievement" for the region.
"People living and working in the area now have greater peace of mind, knowing they’re better protected from the growing risks of flooding - not just today, but for generations to come," he said.
The project was launched in 2020 by BMMjv - a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald - and was developed in consultation with local residents.
According to those behind the scheme, the improvements could drive the creation of up to 12,000 new jobs by 2026 and generate £1.4bn in economic benefits by 2038.
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Councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the economy and skills committee at Bristol City Council, said: “This vital infrastructure paves the way for long-term opportunities that will benefit our region for years to come, opening the door for the enterprise area to truly become the economic hotbed we know it can be.”
The project also involved the creation of wildlife habitats across the Severn Estuary, including more than 80 hectares of wetlands and two hectares of native trees and shrubs.
Further works on the section of railway to the south of Severn Beach are also being carried out in partnership with Network Rail. The works will take place over the next five years, with early designs already under way and construction planned for 2030.
SGC and BCC project lead Ursula Stevenson added: “This project represents years of careful planning and its success is a testament to the strong collaboration between councils, agencies and local people, all working to build a safer, greener and more resilient Avonmouth and Severnside.”
The project was led in partnership by South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Environment Agency.
It was funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Economic Development Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority, and Flood Defence Grant in Aid from Defra, with further funding from Defra and the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.