Transformative city flood defence project progresses at pace

Work is progressing at pace on a project to bolster Derby’s flood defences and unlock the potential for more regeneration.

A year ago, contractors started work on Derby Riverside, which will complete the second phase of the Our City, Our River (OCOR) project, a major flood risk mitigation and regeneration project, delivered by Derby City Council in partnership with the Environment Agency.

The OCOR programme has already delivered enhanced flood protection to more than 2,000 properties.

Once complete, Derby Riverside will extend this protection to the left bank of the Derwent and unlock the potential for regeneration in this part of the city.

So far, these transformative works have dramatically changed the landscape of the area, with buildings removed, and a large channel dug along the route to house the piling for new flood walls.

Councillor Carmel Swan, the city council’s cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: “The transformation at Derby Riverside already is truly remarkable.

“From a quick walk near the site, you can see the scale of what we’re achieving, and the challenges we’re overcoming in the process.

“These defences aren’t just for the here and now, they will help safeguard our city’s future.”

Derby Riverside is divided into eight ‘reaches’, which are progressing concurrently.

At five of these reaches, piling has now been completed, clearing the way for the new flood walls to take shape.

At reach six, near the Smithfield Pub, the proposed flood wall has been realigned to keep the pub on the dry side of the defences.

To achieve this, a specialist piling rig has been assembled on site, combining a large crane with an innovative Japanese piling machine that uses the gyropress method.

Rather than driving piles into the ground with impact, this machine screws them into place, significantly reducing vibration and noise.

Lee Long, project director at contractor John Sisk and Son, said: “We have now completed around 70% of the total piling work required on the project, truly remarkable given that we commenced piling in January.

“The team is extremely proud of the ongoing installation at Reach Six, with significant technical challenges being overcome to allow the works to proceed as planned.”

The partnership between Derby City Council and John Sisk and Son is also delivering lasting community benefits.

In March, Sisk’s Open-Door Week, in partnership with Build UK, gave people the chance to visit the site and get an insight into construction, offering work experience opportunities with the potential of full-time employment.

Since beginning work in the city, 36 local people have been employed full time on the project, on top of five work placements and two apprentices.

Carmel added: “It’s apt that through our partnership with Sisk, we’re sowing the seeds for the next generation of engineers.

“These new defences will be a gamechanger when we’re faced with high water levels, and I’m delighted with how things are progressing. This would not be possible without the close collaboration with our partners.”