en.Wedoany.com Reported - Dumfries and Galloway Council in the UK has recently formally signed the main construction contract for the Whitesands flood defence project with McLaughlin & Harvey, valued at £45.4 million with an estimated construction period of 43 months. This amount represents a 21% increase from the initial estimate of £37.5 million selected during the two-stage procurement launch in 2025, reflecting cost variations between the early contractor involvement phase and the final contract agreement. The project was approved by the full council meeting in December 2025, with the overall scheme's total cost reaching £68.6 million.
The flood defence project extends along the River Nith, covering the riverside corridor in Dumfries town centre from Greensands through Whitesands to Dock Park. The design combines embankment walls, glass flood panels, and flood gates, arranged along a newly constructed elevated walkway to protect the town centre from flooding by the River Nith, while also upgrading the riverside public spaces. According to the full business case approved by the council in December 2025, the council is committed to covering 20% of the total project cost (£13.7 million), with the Scottish Government providing the remaining 80% (£54.9 million) in matched funding.
Lisa Hawkin, Executive Director of Economy and Infrastructure for Dumfries and Galloway Council, stated: "The signing of the contract marks the completion of the major works procurement phase. The council will continue to prepare for delivery, including ongoing communication and engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders as more information becomes available." The Whitesands area has recorded over 200 flood events since 1827. This flood defence project aims to enhance the town centre's flood protection standard to a level capable of withstanding a 1-in-75-year flood event.
The start date and division of construction phases are still being finalised, but site activities are expected to commence soon once final preparations and permits are in place. McLaughlin & Harvey is a civil engineering and building contractor headquartered in Northern Ireland, which has previously undertaken numerous flood defence and infrastructure projects across the UK. This flood defence project is one of several local flood protection schemes supported by the Scottish Government.
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