Government approves £42m flood alleviation scheme for Yorkshire city

A £42m flood alleviation scheme for Hull has had its final seal of approval.

The scheme was approved by Hull’s planning committee earlier this month on the fifth anniversary of the tidal surge that caused devastation to the city.

The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government did the approval.

Led by the Environment Agency, the Humber Hull Frontage Improvement Scheme will upgrade tidal flood defences at eight locations along the estuary foreshore, including at St Andrew’s Quay and Victoria Dock Village.

Floods minister, Thérèse Coffey, said: “I am delighted that the owners of 113,000 homes and businesses in and around Hull will benefit from a fully government funded flood defence improvements which will help for many decades to come.

“This new flood defence scheme costing £42 million from taxpayers’ money has been well supported by the City Council and a number of other key partners, showing what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”

It will see more than seven kilometres of tidal flood defences along the Humber estuary improved.

This investment links to a further £16m funding in tidal flood defences either side of Hull at Paull and Hessle, which is being delivered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Councillor, Daren Hale, portfolio holder for flood prevention at Hull City Council, added: “We welcome the final decision made by the Secretary of State, and I am pleased he was able to see the value in how important these flood defences are for our city.

“We look forward to seeing the work start on site, and the additional benefits it will deliver for residents and businesses in the area, including brand new public art and a fantastic outdoor green space.”

The scheme will be delivered by contractor BMM JV - a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald - and is expected to be completed by March 2021.

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