A Halcrow-designed flood attenuation scheme is supporting future growth in Northampton, UK, by protecting homes, businesses and community facilities from flood risk.
A Halcrow-designed flood attenuation scheme is supporting future growth in Northampton, UK, by protecting homes, businesses and community facilities from flood risk.
Delivered in three phases, this essential infrastructure will increase the value of land identified for regeneration, reducing the risks associated with redevelopment.
Halcrow was commissioned at the initial concept stage, with the team undertaking detailed design, contract documentation, tender evaluation, construction contract management, ecological monitoring and construction site supervision activities for the multi-million pound scheme.
Designed to work in unison, the project’s three phases will provide protection for up to a one in 200 year flood event, with additional capacity to combat the effects of climate change.
Incorporating environmental mitigation and compensation measures into the design, Halcrow ensured the River Nene remains a significant wildlife habitat for a range of species. Engineered drainage systems helped to create new wetland areas, and landscaping works restored the site’s natural features following construction.
Around £17.5 million of investment has poured into the region as a result of this integral infrastructure, with the Upton flood attenuation scheme and Cross Valley Link Road – also designed and supervised by Halcrow – set to boost regeneration and economic prosperity.
Awards
- The project achieved an ‘excellent’ rating of 85 per cent under the civil engineering environmental quality assessment and award (CEEQUAL) scheme, exceeding the client’s requirement of a ‘very good’ standard
- The care paid to the environment, local community and the workforce during construction earned a bronze award under the Considerate Constructors scheme
- Scooping the overall prize at the Institution of Civil Engineers East Midlands Merit Awards for 2009, the project won the judges’ praise for its innovative flood works, environmental mitigation and enhancement, economic and social benefits, as well as the reuse of materials