Another major milestone has been reached at the £24.8 million Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA) scheme after a new central gate, the second of three new gates, is installed as part of works to increase its capacity.

Photo: Leigh Flood Storage Area centre gate being installed (Environment Agency)

Once completed approximately 25% more floodwater can be stored, meaning over 1,800 homes and 575 non-residential properties will be better protected from flooding.

The Leigh Flood Storage Area, the largest Environment Agency-owned and operated flood storage reservoir in Kent, currently reduces the risk of flooding from the River Medway to 1,200 homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.

The scheme works by storing additional water in a storage area, similar to a large lake, and is operated during periods of heavy rain to reduce the volume of water travelling downstream to protect vulnerable homes and businesses.

Over the last year, the Environment Agency has been working to reduce the flood risk to a further 600 homes and 575 businesses by replacing the 44-year-old original gates and raising sections of the embankment. Replacing the gates has extended the life of the structure to at least 2060.

Ian Nunn, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Operations Manager, Environment Agency, said:

“The installation of the new centre gate is a huge achievement and another great step forward in the project to reduce the flood risk to over 1,800 homes and 575 non-residential properties in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.

“People can be assured that the flood storage area will remain operational while the work is ongoing throughout the project, to continue to protect people, homes and businesses.”

The improvement works at the Leigh Flood Storage Area are part of the government’s long-term funding programme of flood defences, investing £2.65 billion over 2024/5 and 2025/6 to scale up national resilience through building new and improving existing flood defences. The Environment Agency prioritises maintenance work on assets to provide the greatest flood risk reduction.

The new central gate, lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane, is the second of the three new gates that will be installed during construction. The third and final gate is expected to be installed in late summer. The new gatesw, which each weigh around 12.5 tonnes, were delivered in pieces and welded together on site.

By replacing the gates and raising the clay core in sections of the embankment, the flood storage area will be able to store approximately 25% more water than it does now.

Increasing the current capacity of 5.58 million cubic metres to over 7 million cubic metres of flood water, will help to better protect more than 600 additional homes from flooding, as well as 575 non-residential properties.

Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said:

It’s fantastic to see the construction of this vital project progressing so well. The scale of the engineering involved is truly impressive, not least the installation of the enormous gates which will provide reassurance for thousands of homes and businesses in our borough who will see their properties far better protected from the devastating impact that flooding can have.”

Liz Gibney, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) Chair commented:

While we are going through a dry spell currently, we ought not to forget the devastating effect that flooding can have on local businesses, residents, and communities. KMEP prioritised this project for investment to provide peace of mind to business leaders, knowing their premises and livelihoods are better protected.

The second new gate at Leigh marks a significant milestone in this important project, and is a vital step towards a safer, more resilient future for everyone. We thank the Environment Agency and partners for their hard work.