Flood Control International has completed its largest installation of the Poseidon Up passive flood barrier system to date at a commercial business park in South Croydon, London.
The project provides passive flood protection across eight access points around the site, helping protect the business park from flash flooding while allowing normal day-to-day vehicle and pedestrian access to continue uninterrupted.
Location: Commercial Business Park, South Croydon, London
Barrier System: Poseidon Up
Total Barriers Installed: 8
Vehicle Access: 3 barriers protecting openings up to 7.5 metres wide
Pedestrian Access: 5 barriers approximately 2 metres wide
Surface Finish: Hard oxidation coating for increased abrasion and corrosion resistance
Slip Resistance: Tested in accordance with BS 7976-2:2002 (Pendulum Test Method) and EN 16165
The Poseidon Up system is designed to remain hidden below ground during normal conditions, allowing unrestricted access.
As floodwater enters the barrier housing, buoyancy and stainless steel gas struts automatically raise the barrier into position, creating an effective flood defence without the need for electrical power, manual deployment or operator intervention.
Once water levels subside, the barrier can be lowered back into its housing, restoring full access.
The Poseidon Up system is designed to remain hidden below ground during normal conditions, allowing unrestricted access.
As floodwater enters the barrier housing, buoyancy and stainless steel gas struts automatically raise the barrier into position, creating an effective flood defence without the need for electrical power, manual deployment or operator intervention.
Once water levels subside, the barrier can be lowered back into its housing, restoring full access.
The South Croydon business park experiences frequent vehicle movements alongside constant pedestrian access, making durability and safety key requirements for the project.
The three vehicle barriers, spanning openings of up to 7.5 metres, have been designed to accommodate regular 40T vehicle movements while protecting the barrier mechanism below. The five pedestrian barriers also incorporate a high-traction surface with a hard oxidation finish, providing excellent resistance to wear, corrosion and everyday use.
Surface performance has been assessed against recognised slip resistance standards, including BS 7976-2:2002 (Pendulum Test Method) and EN 16165, helping to ensure safe pedestrian access in wet conditions.
By protecting all eight access points with passive barriers, the business park now benefits from continuous flood protection without changing day-to-day operations or relying on staff to deploy temporary defences during severe flash flooding.
“This project demonstrates how major commercial sites can achieve passive, 24/7 flood protection without compromising daily operations. Integrating eight automated barriers across key vehicular and pedestrian access points required careful planning and engineering, resulting in a resilient perimeter that responds automatically to flooding without the need for power or manual deployment.” – Hugh Venton, Project Manager
Successfully delivering our largest Poseidon Up installation to date marks another significant step in the continued development of passive flood protection solutions for commercial sites. The completed project provides long-term resilience while integrating seamlessly into the day-to-day operation of the business park.
Does the Poseidon UP barrier require electricity?
No. The Poseidon UP is a mechanically passive flood barrier that uses rising water to activate its lifting mechanism, without requiring mains electricity or manual deployment.
Where can a passive flood barrier be installed?
Passive flood barriers can be considered for entrances, access routes, buildings, infrastructure and public spaces where automatic protection is required. Every installation must be designed around the site’s dimensions, ground conditions, anticipated flood level and operational requirements.
To discuss a passive flood protection project with FCI, learn more about the Poseidon UP passive flood barrier or contact Flood Control International.
