The Environment Agency is delivering a proposed Flood Risk Management Scheme to better protect homes and business from flooding in the Kent catchment, and improve the local environment and community amenities. Kendal is the first area to be delivered, followed by Burneside, Staveley, and Ings, and upstream measures including flood storage. In addition, Natural Flood Management measures are being integrated into the plans which aim to slow the flow of water and provide wider environmental benefits across the catchment.
Click here to return to Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme page
A Community Flood Hub is open on Little Aynam, Kendal to provide people with the opportunity to find out more about the multi-million-pound investment to better protect the town from flooding. The building next to the River Kent will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4:30pm and will provide information on the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
Environment Agency and VBA staff at tree planting site
The Environment Agency has started works to construct a Flood Wall along the riverside boundary of Dale Farm Creamery located adjacent to the River Mint, downstream of Mint Bridge. The flood wall will be approximately 106m long which will tie into high ground at either end and finished primarily in imprinted concrete. It is anticipated that the construction of the new flood defence will be complete in November 2024.
The aim of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme is to not only protect people and properties from flooding, but to create a lasting benefit for the community and the local environment. The Environment Agency plan to improve this well used area within the northern extent of the town through targeted landscaping and planting that will enable the bringing together of enhanced habitat for wildlife and better community access and usability.
Click here to download the document above
Press release from the Environment Agency 21/07/2021
Today the multi-million pound Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme reached a new milestone with the completion of works at Dockray Hall including structural repairs, community improvements and future benefits to the environment and wildlife.
Representatives from the Environment Agency, Westmorland and Furness Council (formerly Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council) and elected members marked the occasion with a visit to the site located along the riverside at Dockray Hall.
When complete the overall flood scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the River Kent catchment.
Stewart Mounsey, Flood Risk Manager for Cumbria said;
“We’re really pleased with how the Kendal works are progressing and this latest development brings us one step closer to protecting the local community and businesses from flooding.
“In planning the works at Dockray Hall, we wanted to make sure that not only structural improvements were made, but to make sure we incorporated features that would further enhance the area with a fully resurfaced footpath and new trees planted boosting the biodiversity of the area.
“Our contractors will return to Dockray Hall in the autumn to make sure five new trees are planted at the ideal time for maximum growth.”
Official launch of Dockray Hall completion with a tour of the works by Stewart Mounsey, Environment Agency and Ian Bolt, VBA with local elected members
The aim of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme is to not only protect people and properties from flooding, but to create a lasting benefit for the community and the local environment. The Environment Agency plan to enhance this area alongside the river through extensive landscaping, planting, and integrating a number of art and educational features.
At Benson Green, the new flood defences comprise of five in situ cast reinforced concrete walls, clad on both sides in locally sourced natural stone to compliment the existing aesthetics. At Busher Walk, the existing embankment was removed and a new flood embankment has been constructed. This is the sixth reach to be completed in Kendal.
Press release from the Environment Agency 12/01/2022
January sees the start of construction of two new sections of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The Environment Agency and contractors, Volker Stevin, will begin work at Busher Walk and Benson Green in Kendal with construction works taking around four months to complete.
At Busher Walk, 110m of flood embankment will be built to improve the flood protection to local homes and businesses. At Benson Green, the replacement and construction of new flood walls will provide the community with improved flood protection. When works are complete the existing access ramp to the riverside footpath will also be reinstated.
All flood defence walls in this area will be clad on both sides in local stone to compliment the local aesthetics.
To allow the works to be carried out safely, the riverside footpath will be closed between Dockray Hall and Victoria Bridge and there will be a diversion in place.
Keith Roddy, Programme Manager for the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme said:
“Our thanks once again go out to residents and businesses for their patience whilst we carry out works at Busher Walk and Benson Green to better protect more homes and business from flooding.
“The Environment Agency and contractors Volker Stevin were able to complete four sections of the scheme in 2021, and this momentum continues into 2022.
“The scheme in Kendal is an important part of how the Environment Agency is working locally to help communities adapt to the increasing flood risk caused by the climate emergency.
“We cannot protect against every flood, however the £76million scheme in Kendal will significantly reduce the risk of flooding to 1,400 homes and 1,100 business.
“It’s also vital everyone knows the threat to them and how to keep their loved ones, property and possession safe.
“Go to the Gov.uk website or search ‘know my flood risk’ to sign up for flood warnings, receive information on the risk in your area and what to do in a flood: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk”
Flood defence works at Sand Aire House and Lambrigg Terrace is the ninth section of work to be completed in Kendal. The construction works at Sand Aire House and Lambrigg Terrace consist of a new riverside flood wall finished in natural stone. At Sand Aire House, replacement and additional planting has taken place, a new riverside access has been integrated with up-and-over steps to the north of the car park and riverside views have been maintained by the addition of a raised decked area to the south.
Construction of the new flood wall along the riverside at Sand Aire House, Lambrigg Terrace and Melrose Place has now started. This new 200m long stone clad flood wall extends from The Bridge Inn to the new Gooseholme Footbridge and will better protect homes and businesses in this area. Further information can be found in this newsletter.
Gooseholme Common construction update – Newsletter October 2023
Preparing for Construction at Gooseholme Common – Newsletter June 2023
Work started in Summer 2022 to repair a section of the riverbank adjacent to Stramongate Bridge on Castle Street. The damage to the riverbank in this location was far greater than expected which has required a pause in works and a re-design. As the repair works require in-river working, the Environment Agency have stopped works and made the area safe over the Winter period. The repair works will restart in this location in Summer 2023 followed by the construction of the flood wall.
Click here to view a larger version of the visualisation
Stock Beck pumping station and Gooseholme Park planning approval – Newsletter March 2023
Stock Beck pumping station and Gooseholme Park planning approval – Press release March 2023
Alex – Environment Agency Project Manager
Sharon – Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, Cumbria
Click here to view a larger version of the visualisation
Click here to view a larger version of the visualisation
The Environment Agency have undertaken a number of ground investigations during 2021 and culvert surveys during 2022 to determine the ground conditions and underground features as well as the existing structural integrity and conveyance capacity of Stock Beck culvert running through the areas of North East Kendal. The data and information from these investigations and surveys have identified where repairs and restoration works will be required, and is currently informing a detailed design for the required culvert improvements which will start to be delivered this year.
The Environment Agency is well underway with constructing the stone clad flood wall from Gooseholme Bridge to Miller Bridge. The Environment Agency are preparing to start construction of the next phase of works which will extend from Gooseholme Bridge to the entrance to Thorny Hills. The newsletter provides information on this next phase of works.
The scheme information board provides information on the full extent of works being delivered between Thorny Hills and Miller Bridge.
As the Environment Agency continue to prepare for construction, work continues with utility companies to divert services along Aynam Road. These diversion works are critical to ensure all services and utilities are moved away from the riverside alignment of the flood defences. United Utilities sewer diversion was completed earlier this month with BT undertaking works in late September.
This briefing is to provide you with a summary of progress on the Aynam Road and Waterside areas of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme and the resilience measures being taken to ensure our works are safe over the winter period.
The Environment Agency will update you on what the project has achieved to date, and what they intend to deliver next year. It will also provide you with information on how you can find out more, and how you can engage with the Environment Agency as work continues in other areas of the town.
In order to construct the glass panelled flood wall along Waterside, the Environment Agency have been constructing a temporary bridge which extends across the river from Miller Fields to Waterside. The temporary bridge will provide the access required across the river to construct the working platform which will provide the safe working area required to construct the flood wall. The temporary in-river bridge and platform are currently being constructed and has included the installation of three piers built into the river bed and topped with the bridge deck. The bridge crossing and working platforms have been designed to be safe even during high river levels.
The construction of the scheme in Kendal is well underway and the Environment Agency are pleased to announce that they have received planning approval for the improved scheme design for Aynam Road and Waterside and are therefore preparing to start construction.
This newsletter will provide you with an update on the planning approval they have obtained and information on the pre construction activities that are continuing along Aynam Road. The Environment Agency will also be starting the construction of an in river working platform connecting Miller Fields to Waterside as they prepare to start works at Waterside.
This newsletter will provide you with a summary of the pre construction activities that the Environment Agency will be undertaking from early March onwards. These activities will be to prepare the sites ahead of construction of the flood defences which will be starting in some locations this Summer.
The locations in which the Environment Agency will be delivering a number of preparation activities will be in the vicinity of Stramongate Bridge, Little Aynam , and North and South of Miller Bridge, which are all located on the left bank of the River Kent.
Read the full press release for more information here.
Representatives from Kendal Town Council, Environment Agency, Volkerstevin and Kendal Flood Action Group join representatives from the glass panel suppliers Pilkington, Flood Control and Sentry Glass to view panel.
This briefing is to inform you of an imminent planning application submission to Westmorland and Furness Council (formerly Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council) Planning Authority following a number of design and construction amendments and improvements to the original scheme for Aynam Road and Waterside. These improvements and amendments have been made as a result of the Environment Agency’s understanding of the area following survey and assessments and feedback from key stakeholders and the community.
This update contains information on the data gathering activities undertaken at Aynam Road, the new planning submission, and what work is happening next. Further information can be found within the document:
As the Environment Agency continue to prepare for construction, work continues with utility companies to divert services along Aynam Road. These diversion works are critical to ensure all services and utilities are moved away from the riverside alignment of the flood defences. United Utilities sewer diversion was completed earlier this month with BT undertaking works in late September.
This briefing is to provide you with a summary of progress on the Aynam Road and Waterside areas of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme and the resilience measures being taken to ensure our works are safe over the winter period.
The Environment Agency will update you on what the project has achieved to date, and what they intend to deliver next year. It will also provide you with information on how you can find out more, and how you can engage with the Environment Agency as work continues in other areas of the town.
In order to construct the glass panelled flood wall along Waterside, the Environment Agency have been constructing a temporary bridge which extends across the river from Miller Fields to Waterside. The temporary bridge will provide the access required across the river to construct the working platform which will provide the safe working area required to construct the flood wall. The temporary in-river bridge and platform are currently being constructed and has included the installation of three piers built into the river bed and topped with the bridge deck. The bridge crossing and working platforms have been designed to be safe even during high river levels.
The construction of the scheme in Kendal is well underway and the Environment Agency are pleased to announce that they have received planning approval for the improved scheme design for Aynam Road and Waterside and are therefore preparing to start construction.
This newsletter will provide you with an update on the planning approval they have obtained and information on the pre construction activities that are continuing along Aynam Road. The Environment Agency will also be starting the construction of an in river working platform connecting Miller Fields to Waterside as they prepare to start works at Waterside.
This newsletter will provide you with a summary of the pre construction activities that the Environment Agency will be undertaking from early March onwards. These activities will be to prepare the sites ahead of construction of the flood defences which will be starting in some locations this Summer.
The locations in which the Environment Agency will be delivering a number of preparation activities will be in the vicinity of Stramongate Bridge, Little Aynam , and North and South of Miller Bridge, which are all located on the left bank of the River Kent.
This briefing is to inform you of an imminent planning application submission to Westmorland and Furness Council (formerly Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council) Planning Authority following a number of design and construction amendments and improvements to the original scheme for Aynam Road and Waterside. These improvements and amendments have been made as a result of the Environment Agency’s understanding of the area following survey and assessments and feedback from key stakeholders and the community.
Waterside Flats is the seventh section of work to be completed in Kendal. This section of flood defence comprises of the construction of a flood wall finished in a combination of imprinted concrete to the residential side and natural stone to the riverside to blend into the local area. Additional features include the integration of flood gates and a new ramped access improving and retaining connectivity from the riverside to the town.
Click here to download the Waterside Flats construction completion update.
Click here to download the Waterside Flats completed work press release.
In the New Year, week commencing 3rd January, the Environment Agency will continue with their construction works after the Christmas holiday period. One of the first construction activities in this area will be piling. The piles in this area will provide both seepage cut off underground and a strong foundation from which the flood wall will be constructed.
Click here to download a copy of the document above
Click here to download a copy of the document above.
Click here to return to the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme page
Romney Gardens is the second section of work to be completed in Kendal. This section of flood defence comprises of the construction of a small reinforced concrete flood wall around the properties. The wall finished in imprinted brick and new replacement timber fence matches the existing aesthetics. See below for more information about the work that has been completed.
To download a copy of the document above, please click here.
Natand Road is the third section of work to be completed in Kendal. This section of flood defence involved the construction of a small flood wall along the riverside footpath finished in imprinted stone. A section of concrete kerb has also been installed which ties into the new flood defence wall. For more information about the work that has been completed at Natland Road. download the Environment Agency document below:
Press release from the Environment Agency 20/12/21
Work on the flood defences at Clarks as part the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme are now complete. The area now benefits from 114m of flood defences and a new flood wall, as well as a range of community improvements with an area of grassland restored and a seating area reinstated.
Work on the flood defences at Clarks as part the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme are now complete. The area now benefits from 114m of flood defences and a new flood wall, as well as a range of community improvements with an area of grassland restored and a seating area reinstated.
The £76million flood scheme will see a number of landscaping, planting and environmental benefits throughout the town as works continue to progress. Seven trees and a grass seed mix have been carefully planted at Clarks providing ideal habitats for local wildlife.
When complete, the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme will better protect 1,400 homes and 1,100 business from flooding.
Stewart Mounsey, Flood Risk Manager for Cumbria said,
“Since construction started in the town in February 2021, flood defence work has been completed at four key locations Dockray Hall, Romney Gardens, Natland Road and now Clarks. We conclude our work this year by continuing with our commitment to improve the river corridor and plant over 4,000 trees across the town.
“Work on site will be coming to a close for the Christmas period over the next few days and we will be back in town in early January with construction continuing at Parish Church and Waterside Flats. Construction works will also be starting at Busher Walk and Beezon Fields which is scheduled to start early in the New Year.”
With winter approaching it’s vital everyone knows how flooding can affect them and how to keep loved ones, property and possession safe. Go to the Gov.uk website or search ‘know my flood risk’ to sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings, receive information on the risk in your area and what to do in a flood.
To keep up to date on the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, visit www.thefloodhub.co.uk/Kendal follow us on Twitter account @EnvAgencyNW or download the new VolkerStevin Engage App
Flood defence works at Clarks is the fourth section of work to be completed in Kendal. This section of flood defence comprises of approximately 114m in total of linear defences. This includes two sections of raised kerb at the north and south end of the site, finished with a central section of flood wall. Download the Environment Agency document below for more information.
To protect the community of Helsington the Environment Agency have constructed approximately 376m of linear flood defences comprising of walls and embankments and sections of road raising. This is the fifth reach to be completed in Kendal.
Helsington Mills is the fifth section of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme to be completed. To protect the community of Helsington, the Environment Agency have constructed approximately 376m of linear flood defences comprising of walls and embankments and sections of road raising. They have greatly improved the surfacing to the existing car park at the bottom of Scroggs Lane and are supporting Kendal Conservation Volunteers in planting an additional 1000 trees providing multiple environment and community benefits. Download the document below for more information:
