en.Wedoany.com Reported - VolkerStevin, a contractor for the UK Environment Agency, has completed the first phase of the £55 million Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme.

This major infrastructure project in Lancashire aims to protect local communities from the growing threat of flooding. As of early 2026, the scheme was identified as a key component of the government's National Flood Investment Announcement, which commits £1.4 billion to flood defences and maintenance in the 2026/27 financial year.

VolkerStevin has now provided a detailed project update on the measures taken to overcome "challenging ground and bedrock conditions," as well as the social and environmental benefits achieved. The final phase of work along the riverside has been completed, and South Meadow Lane, along with the riverside footpath and cycle path, will reopen.

The project, launched in 2022 with an investment of over £55 million, covers the Broadgate, Riverside, and Lower Penwortham areas of Preston. The VolkerStevin team constructed a comprehensive flood defence infrastructure, including approximately 2 kilometres of flood walls, some sections of which feature integrated glass panels at the top to preserve views while forming part of the defence system. Additionally, around 0.6 kilometres of existing defences in the Frenchwood and Walton Green areas have been inspected and maintained to ensure continued performance.

The works also included the construction of a 20,000-tonne clay embankment and the installation of four new sluice gates. These gates remain open under normal conditions but can be closed by Environment Agency staff if a flood warning is issued.

Construction in the Riverside section encountered challenging ground and bedrock conditions, requiring careful planning and innovative engineering solutions. VolkerStevin worked closely with the Environment Agency and key stakeholders to successfully overcome these challenges, ensuring safe and efficient delivery while minimising disruption to local residents and businesses.

Beyond the construction works, the project considered wider community and environmental benefits. Public areas in Miller Park have been refurbished, including resurfaced and upgraded entrance areas featuring a "Welcome to Miller Park" design. Broadgate Gardens has been relandscaped with new seating installed. A small insect-friendly habitat has been created at Ribble Sidings in Lower Penwortham to support biodiversity.

A total of 14,000 trees have been planted, including 10,000 trees and hedgerows in the Fishwick Bottoms floodplain to support habitat creation and long-term ecological value.

The project ensured that the flood management scheme was sensitive to the historic environment. Near the Grade II listed Penwortham Old Bridge, specialist stonemasons seamlessly integrated the new flood defences with the existing heritage structure. Meanwhile, a concrete artist was commissioned to ensure that works around the gas pipeline bridge sensitively complemented the surrounding environment.

Phil Mahon, Site Agent for VolkerStevin, stated that completing the first phase of the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme is a significant achievement. He noted that delivering works of this scale and complexity, particularly under challenging ground conditions along the Riverside, required a high level of technical expertise, careful planning, and close collaboration with the Environment Agency and partners. The team is proud to have delivered this infrastructure, which will provide long-term protection for thousands of properties while improving the local environment and public spaces. Phil Mahon also thanked the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction period and expressed delight that these areas are now open to the public once again.

Richard Knight, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said that completing this part of the scheme is a key milestone. He mentioned that many challenges were overcome during construction, particularly the difficult ground and bedrock conditions along the Riverside, and thanked local residents and businesses for their patience. The scheme will help protect thousands of properties in the area from the devastating impacts of flooding. Climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent, highlighting the need to improve defences along the Rivers Ribble and Darwen.

Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, stated that climate change is increasing the risk of extreme weather events locally, and the completion of these extensive flood defences will greatly protect residents and their homes along the riverbanks. Beyond flood protection, the area now boasts a beautiful and welcoming new entrance to Miller Park for everyone to enjoy. He thanked the Environment Agency, contractor VolkerStevin, and everyone involved in the scheme for their excellent work on a project of this scale.