Work on next phase of city’s flood defence scheme accelerates

Derby City Council has reported that the next phase of the city’s flood defence scheme is progressing at pace.

Derby Riverside is the second phase of the Our City, Our River (OCOR) project, a major flood defence scheme led by the city on behalf of the Environment Agency.

Since May 2025, contractors John Sisk and Son has been working on the site, which will bolster defences on the left (east) bank of the Derwent.

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

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

With several existing buildings now being cleared, heavy engineering is getting underway at several sites as the vision continues to become reality.

New horizons have opened around Phoenix Street and Stuart Street following the demolition of Peat House, revealing new views of Derby Cathedral from the left (east) back of the river.

Work has now shifted to piling, an essential part of the construction process and the main component of the new flood defences.

Piling is also proceeding at pace in Meadow Lane and adjacent to Exeter Street and will soon begin adjacent to Meadow Road.

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

“We know all too well the devastation that flooding can bring to our community, but these new defences will be a game changer when we are faced with unprecedented water levels.

“The speed at which this project has progressed is testament to the hard work of both the council and Sisk, and I’m excited to see things progress further over the coming months as we continue to build a more resilient city.”