Derby is set to gain 拢10 million of flood defence funding that will help it create new homes, public parkland and commercial space that could support 1,000 jobs.
The city council is set to get the money from The Environment Agency鈥檚 Capital Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding for its Our City Our River project.
The money will make a big contribution towards the next phase in the project, which will include a new park on the east side of the River Derwent around Stuart Street, Phoenix Street, and Exeter Place, creating a new area for the city called Derby Riverside.
The scheme would not only support the ongoing Our City Our River flood alleviation programme but also pave the way for new homes and jobs.
Revised plans will be drawn up over the next two years before the land is acquired through a compulsory purchase order, if necessary.
Coun Matthew Holmes, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to formally accept this substantial investment towards the next phase of our flood alleviation works for Derby.
鈥淭his is brilliant news and will help to achieve the next stage in our Our City, Our River flood alleviation project, focusing on major regeneration of the east side of the River Derwent in the city centre.
鈥淭he events of November 2019 highlighted the importance of the work that has already been achieved and also what needs to be as part of our Our City Our River project.
鈥淥ver 1,200 properties were protected from the flood water and protecting homes and businesses is extremely important.
鈥淭o do this, major changes will need to be made to the east of the river, opposite the Silk Mill creating regeneration opportunities in the city centre.
鈥淢ajor regeneration of this part of the city will also support Derby鈥檚 Economic Recovery Plan and promote reinvestment into the heart of the city.
鈥淗istorically, as a city, we鈥檝e not embraced the River Derwent and have certainly not made the most of it as a natural asset.
鈥淭his proposed regeneration work will help Derby embrace and turn towards the river.
鈥淚 believe the proposals will change our city centre and open up new spaces and opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses.
鈥淲e鈥檇 like to thank the Environment Agency for their ongoing support throughout the Our City, Our River project.鈥
Environment Agency chair Emma Howard Boyd said: 鈥淔or every 拢1 spent improving protection from flooding and coastal erosion, we avoid around 拢5 of property damages.
鈥淭he long-term commitments announced today will make homes, businesses and infrastructure more resilient to the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis.
鈥淢any communities are all too familiar with flooding, and now the risk is increasing for others too.
鈥淭he Environment Agency is champing at the bit to deliver on the Government鈥檚 investment with better, and greener, flood schemes. Detail about how we will do this is set out in our strategy.鈥
