The risk of flooding to coastal communities around the UK is high – and growing, due to sea-level rise and an increase in extreme rainfall events from the effects of climate change. Shoreham-by-Sea is a coastal town and port
in West Sussex and in 2016, was identified as ‘vulnerable’, since the previous flood defences along the River Adur were reaching the end of their useful life. When extreme weather hit the southern coast, the River Adur rose to levels that caused damage to properties, businesses and infrastructure.
Essential construction works had to be undertaken to future proof Shoreham with a scheme to cover 7.2km of the Adur riverbank. These works were crucial to protect Shoreham harbour and airport and unlock the area for housing developments and employment space. The scheme’s design was also sensitive to the particular unique heritage and environment of Shoreham,
and it was therefore important to ensure that the area’s natural beauty was retained.
A scheme led by the Environment Agency, to strengthen and improve flood defences on both sides of the river was implemented. Flood Control International was a key partner in the scheme; designing, manufacturing, supplying and installing over 0.5km of glass flood defences at 1.2m high, including a top handrail for health and safety purposes. The virtually transparent glass barrier is perfect as a direct first line flood defence and ideal for the unique heritage and environment of Shoreham.
The scheme contains long linear lengths, panels in existing brickwork arch features and a bespoke glass balcony structure. Each system comprises stainless steel grade 316 framing and posts and toughened laminated glass panels, all designed to maintain the elegance of the area as well as provide flood protection to full height water loading with additional impact consideration.
Completed in 2019 by main contractor Mackley Civil Engineering, this multi award winning scheme was crowned ‘Climate Resilience Project of the Year’
at the British Construction Industry Awards in October 2019. It is a perfect example of Flood Control International’s glass flood protection system and we are particularly proud that we were able to integrate this solution into this prestigious scheme.
