One of Derby’s biggest infrastructure projects has moved a step closer, with Derby City Council awarding a £38m contract to John Sisk & Son (Sisk) to deliver the next phase of the Our City, Our River programme.
This package of works, known as Derby Riverside, will provide significant flood resilience protection to many properties along the left (east) bank of the Derwent from Causey Bridge to Derwent Bridge.
The newly appointed contractors will be responsible for delivering a new flood wall and floodgates that will offer enhanced protection for Exeter House and properties on Meadow Road and Meadow Lane.
They will also carry out demolition of the riverside office blocks on Stuart Street to create a new riverside green area. This will provide more space for flood water to pass through the city in a controlled corridor.
Enabling works will begin shortly, with demolition and construction work due to start in May.
This will involve the removal of a number of trees along the route, not only to enable defences to be built, but because the riverside park area will only work effectively as a flood conveyance corridor by limiting obstructions.
Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: “I’m delighted that the contract is now signed with John Sisk and Sons to deliver the vital second phase of the Our City, Our River flood defence project.
“These works are crucial as we continue to future proof the city against extreme weather and unlock the potential for regeneration along the river. We can now look forward to seeing work begin on site in the near future.”
Alan Rodger, managing director – Sisk Infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Derby City Council on this phase of the Our City, Our River programme. We understand how vital this project is for further flood prevention and the regeneration of this area in the centre of the city.
“Our team of dedicated professionals will leverage the latest innovations and sustainability practices to help deliver this fantastic scheme, alongside social value projects in the local community.”
David Turnbull, area flood and coastal risk manager – Derbyshire and Leicestershire for the Environment Agency, said: “This contract award marks another step forward in delivering the Our City Our River Programme and making Derby more resilient to the threat of climate change.
“The Environment Agency are proud to be in partnership with Derby City Council for this journey, and we are delighted to see this complex but vital phase of the programme begin very soon.”
