The Environment Agency’s £100 million Boston Barrier, which will better protect more than 14,000 properties from tidal flooding, has been given the green light by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and HM Treasury. Following approval for the scheme’s full business case from HM Treasury last week, the contract for the project has been awarded to Bam Nuttall and Mott MacDonald joint venture (BMMJV).
Boston has a long history of tidal flooding. The town flooded in 1953, 1978 and more recently during the December 2013 tidal surge, when defences were over-topped, damaged or breached. This affected the town extensively, with over 800 properties flooded across 55 streets.
The tidal barrier will feature a moveable gate across the River Witham, also known locally as the Haven. It will also include a new control building to operate the barrier, new flood defence walls on both banks and a replacement gate across the entrance to the existing Port of Boston wet dock. The barrier will make Boston one of the best protected areas from flooding outside of London.
BMMJV framework director Allan Rogers said: “We are looking forward to delivering this innovative flood protection scheme. We have a proven track record of success, having recently completed phase one of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.”
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey commented: “Not only is this fantastic news for the 14,000 home and business owners who will be better protected from flooding, but Boston’s new state-of-the-art defences will help attract investment, benefitting the wider area. This is just one of many flood schemes being built in Lincolnshire and we are investing £229 million over six years to better protect communities across the county.”
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, added: “The Boston Barrier scheme is an inspiring example of collaborative work between the Environment Agency, councils, businesses and the local community. I am pleased that it will help to protect more than 14,000 homes and businesses from the kind of flooding the town experienced in December 2013. I look forward to the finished scheme.”
The Secretary of State has now approved the Transport and Works Act Order to grant powers to construct and operate the barrier, with work set to begin in January 2018. The Environment Agency is investing £2.5 billion across the country, which will see 1,500 flood defences reducing risk to 300,000 homes by 2021.