Flood defences scheme complete next year

Published18th December 2017

Ipswich’s multi-million flood defence scheme is nearing completion.

When it is operational, the barrier will provide protection for 2,000 homes and businesses on and around the Waterfront.

The centrepiece is a 200-tonne tidal gate, which was put on a barge to come across the North Sea from Holland in October.

Ipswich Borough Council is investing £10 million in the project - other funding has come from the Environment Agency, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, the Government and the Haven Gateway Partnership.

Council Leader, David Ellesmere, the Mayor, Sarah Barber, and the Chief Executive, Russell Williams, were among a group who toured the facility to see the work in progress. Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, which is building the tidal barrier, was also there.

Councillor Ellesmere said: “This is very important for the growth of Ipswich. I am pleased to see the project finally reaching its conclusion. We have been working on it for many years.”

 

Caption: David Ellesmere with the Mayor. Picture by Sarah Lucy Brown, Archant