The Environment Agency has started construction on a multi-million pound flood scheme in Middlesbrough that will provide improved protection to 485 homes.

Graphic of the Marton West Beck flood scheme

The £4.8 million Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme will protect properties in central Middlesbrough against flooding from the beck, the sea, and surface water.

The partnership scheme is being delivered by the Environment Agency and Middlesbrough Council, and was initiated by the Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme is just one of many schemes across the North East which better protects properties and businesses. In the North East, £132 million is being invested between 2015 and 2021 to create or improve new flood and coastal defences.

Over the next 50 years, the flood alleviation scheme will provide £59 million of economic benefit to Middlesbrough. The business case for the project was approved by central Government and forms part of the Environment Agency’s Capital programme to deliver flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes throughout England.

The contractor working on the project is BMMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald. The scheme is scheduled for completion by the end of spring 2021.

Scheme is ‘vital asset’ for local community

Catherine Saxon, Environment Agency, Area Director – North East, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the commencement onsite in Middlesbrough of the Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme.

“The Environment Agency is pleased to be working in partnership with Middlesbrough Council to deliver this scheme.

“We are living in times when climate change brings with it unpredictable weather conditions. The Environment Agency is doing everything possible to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding but we can’t stop flooding altogether.”

Speaking on behalf of the BMMJV Partnership, Gareth Farrier, BAM Nuttall Divisional Director, added:

“BMMJV are excited to be delivering this fantastic project for the Environment Agency and their partners Middlesbrough Council. This project will deliver great benefits to the local residents and surrounding area and we look forward to engaging with the community throughout the project.”

In the early planning stages of the project the Environment Agency and Middlesbrough Council worked closely with Northumbrian Water to help assess the key areas of potential flooding by looking at how the sewer system across the town interacted with other sources of flood risk.

During severe flooding the new scheme will hold flood water back in Marton West Beck and Albert Park, stopping the full force of the water from flooding properties downstream. The existing debris screen in the park will also be upgraded as part of the programme. The screen collects urban debris and rubbish that can cause flooding.

The plans for the flood scheme were created by civil engineering company, Mott MacDonald as part of their joint venture with BAM Nuttall.