Environment Agency chief hails OCOR progress

A top official at the Environment Agency has hailed the progress of the latest phase of Derby City Council’s Our City, Our River (OCOR) project over the last six months.

Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management for the Environment Agency recently visited to see the transformation taking place at Derby Riverside. on the riverfront.

This visit capped off a successful first six months of partnership between the council and John Sisk and Son on the latest phase of OCOR, which focuses on the riverfront.

The scheme, led by the city council on behalf of the Environment Agency, is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Derby’s history.

Since May, Sisk has been pressing on with Derby Riverside, a crucial part of the scheme to bolster defences on the left bank of the Derwent.

The last six months have seen the landscape of the riverside area change rapidly.

November saw the start of demolition at Peat House in Stuart Street, while the old petrol tanks near Bio House in Derwent Street are being safely excavated and removed.

To mitigate the impact of tree loss, the project is midway through an extensive replanting programme that will see a huge gain in the number of trees in the city.

Caroline said: “Derby’s Our City Our River is a great example of partnership working between Derby City Council, Environment Agency and other delivery partners.

“I’ve been delighted on this visit to see firsthand how the scheme has progressed in helping to protect local communities from the devastating impact of flooding.

“The overall target is to reduce flood risk to around 1,500 homes and 700 businesses by the time the scheme is completed.

“The work will also unlock regeneration opportunities and create green spaces.

“Schemes like this one are more important than ever as we see the impacts from more storms and increasing rainfall events.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, the city council’s cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: “It was great to welcome our colleagues from the Environment Agency back to Derby to showcase the excellent work that has taken place on OCOR, one of their largest local authority-led schemes.

“I’m delighted with what we’ve been able to achieve with Sisk in such a short time, and I look forward to seeing the Derby Riverside continue in 2026.”