Salford flood basin project up for two awards
Thursday 30 March 2017
IT'S the size of 260 Olympic swimming pools, will have its own wetland and wildlife habitat, and will help protect hundreds of homes and businesses.
Salford’s new £9 million flood basin is now operational at Castle Irwell on the site of the old student village, beside the River Irwell.
Led by the Environment Agency, the new Castle Irwell basin is a joint project with Salford City Council, the University of Salford and the local community, and provides space to capture and hold flood water until river levels drop and can safely be released.
Today the project is up for an International Green Gown Award, having already won a UK award in the community section. It is also shortlisted in the Environment Agency’s Project Excellence Awards for ‘Working in Partnership’ Awards, also announced today (March 29).
Protects 1,900 homes
Together with Littleton Road flood basin, it can hold 1,300 million litres of water, taking it in through an inlet weir once river levels reach a certain height.
Mark Garratt, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency said: “All organisations involved have worked hard to come up with an innovative solution to flooding in the city and I am proud of the collaborative approach which has enabled this scheme to be constructed.
“Importantly the scheme offers additional flood protection to 1,900 homes and businesses in areas including Lower Kersal, Lower Broughton and Cheetham. It will also provide a boost to the City Council’s economic development plans to regenerate areas not previously viable, while creating a riverside environment which can be enjoyed by the local community.”
'Fitting legacy'
Chris Large, assistant director of estates and facilities at the University of Salford, said: “We are delighted to contribute to this scheme to protect our neighbouring residents along the Irwell and we hope that the thousands of students who have used our former residences and sports facilities will consider the scheme a fitting legacy for Castle Irwell.”
Bec Bennett, Environmental Sustainability Officer, at the University of Salford said: “The site itself is starting to look fantastic with the planting, signage and artwork. If anyone is interested in having a walk around down there then please let me know and I can organise a tour with the Environment Agency and possibly some of the members of the Broughton Trust who have been involved and will be benefiting from the scheme.”
People living close to the river still need to be signed up for flood warnings and have their own personal plan for what to do, where to go and what to take with them if flooding happens again.
With just a few clicks you can also check your flood risk online and sign up to flood alerts and warnings online at https://floodsdestroy.campaign.gov.uk . You can also register or update your details by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”
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