Flood defence scheme crowned project of the year

THE Environment Agency’s £23 million Warrington flood defence scheme has been crowned Project of the Year at the North West Construction Awards 2014.
The judges were hugely impressed with Phase 1 of the River Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme – a 1.5km stretch of flood walls and embankments along Knutsford Road in Latchford.
Hosted by the University of Salford, The Centre for Construction Innovation and Constructing Excellence, the awards ceremony is now in its eighth year. On the night over £2,000 was raised for the supported charity, CRASH, which will go towards helping homeless projects in the UK.
Mark Garratt, Environment Agency Flood & Coastal Risk Manager, said: “Winning Project of the Year is a fantastic endorsement for a community-led project which will provide vital flood protection for homes and businesses in Warrington.
“These awards are testament to our commitment to working in partnership with communities to identify ways of enhancing the local landscape at the same time as reducing flood risk.”
The Environment Agency’s award-winning flood scheme has already proved its worth by protecting around 1,500 local homes and businesses during one of the biggest tidal surges on the River Mersey since 1990.
Phase 1 is part of an overall £23 million scheme that has been made possible thanks to a partnership between the Environment Agency and Warrington Borough Council, who are jointly funding the new flood defences.
The finished scheme will eventually reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,000 homes and businesses in Warrington from the River Mersey and its tributaries.
The second phase of construction is underway in Howley, then the third and final phase will be constructed in Woolston, Padgate, Kingsway North, Cinnamon Brow and Latchford East, with completion scheduled for spring 2015.
Balfour Beatty was the principle contractor responsible for phase 1 of the scheme.
Peter Commins, Balfour Beatty Managing Director for the N West & N Wales, said: “Winning the top award at the North West Regional Constructing Excellence Awards, against such prestigious competition, is a fantastic achievement.
“Working with the Environment Agency and Warrington Council to deliver not only a very high quality project but also one that has protected so many local homes from the recent flooding endorses the benefits of collaborative working and the successful outcomes derived.”