Balfour Beatty completes £63m Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme in UK
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, today announces that it has successfully completed the £63 million Rossall coastal defence scheme for Wyre Council in partnership with the Environment Agency.
The scheme will protect the town’s tramway, hospital and schools whilst reducing flood risk to 7,500 nearby residential properties through two kilometres of sea defences.
To successfully complete the Rossall project, over 10,000 specially manufactured precast concrete units were lifted into position, alongside 86,342 tonnes of rock underlayer and 241,000 tonnes of rock armour sourced from 12 quarries across the north of the UK.
The successful delivery of the scheme means the coastline now features a promenade lined with artwork and a poetry trail, as well as a new ecology park designed by British sculptor Stephen Broadbent. Known as Larkholme Grasslands, the park has been created on a Biological Heritage site which features rare species of flora and fauna. A lagoon area behind the new defences offers additional flood storage and a new habitat for rich and diverse wildlife.
Dean Banks, Balfour Beatty Chief Executive Officer for UK Construction Services, said: “We are delighted that the local community and visitors to the Fylde coast can now fully experience the extensive benefits of the Rossall scheme, which will protect thousands of nearby properties from the risk of flooding and offer a captivating promenade for people of all ages to enjoy.
“The project’s success is a testament to the skills and collaborative working relationship between the fully integrated delivery team, with Wyre Council and the Environment Agency.”
Sir James Bevan, Environment Agency chief executive, said: “This is one of the biggest investments ever in a coastal flood scheme. It will reduce flood risk to 7,500 homes, create new green space and benefit the local economy, including by using locally sourced materials. It’s a great example of partnership: by working together the Environment Agency, Wyre Council, our other partners and the local community have helped create an even better place for people and wildlife.”
Councillor Roger Berry, Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council comments: “I’d like to thank all our partners for helping us to deliver the new sea defences. The completed scheme will not only protect our residents, their homes and our businesses and infrastructure, but also has provided us with a visually stunning promenade for walkers and cyclists. Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the magnificent coastline, whilst the grasslands will give a contrasting green and natural landscape.”
Throughout the project lifecycle, the scheme has provided 85 work opportunities for local people, as well as numerous engagement events with local schools. The project has placed great importance on earn and learn initiatives with eight members of the workforce completing NVQs, two graduates and three trainees.
The Rossall scheme forms part of the Fylde Peninsula Coastal Programme, encompassing the Fairhaven to Church Scar Coastal Protection Scheme in Lytham and the Anchorsholme Coastal Protection Scheme in Blackpool which was recently completed by Balfour Beatty.
