The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme has officially completed its £200 million project, creating a robust defense against severe flooding for over 4,000 homes and 1,000 businesses in Leeds. With innovative features like moveable weir gates and a massive flood storage area, this initiative not only protects the city but also enhances wildlife habitats, planting 750,000 trees along the way.
What are the key features of the £200million Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme?
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (LFAS) includes:
– Protection against one-in-200-year flood events plus climate change considerations.
– Moveable weir gates at Crown Point and Knostrop.
– 4.5 kilometres of flood walls and embankments from Leeds city centre to Woodlesford.
– Flood storage area near Calverley with a capacity of 1,800,000m3.
– 750,000 trees planted for natural flood management.
– Significant habitat creation for wildlife.
Overview of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme
The landscape of flood defence in Leeds has been transformed with the completion of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (LFAS). Engineered to safeguard the city and its surrounding areas from severe flooding, this project represents a significant milestone in the city’s resilience planning. The culmination of over a decade of diligent work, the scheme now stands as a bulwark against the kind of extreme weather that resulted in the widespread destruction seen during the flooding on Boxing Day in 2015.
Spanning the River Aire catchment, the LFAS is a product of Leeds City Council’s partnership with the Environment Agency, among others. Protecting over 4,000 homes and 1,000 businesses, it secures jobs and industries pivotal to Leeds’ economy. Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis, alongside key project partners, marked the completion with an event by the riverside near Calverley.
The completed infrastructure is poised to shield Leeds from one-in-200-year flood events, factoring in additional considerations for climate change. This level of protection is a proactive response to the stark memories of Storm Eva, which imposed direct costs of £36.8million and recovery costs escalating beyond £500million across the region.
Innovative Features and Phase Details
The LFAS has been executed in two phases, showcasing a blend of innovative engineering and environmental stewardship. Phase one concluded in 2017, introducing moveable weir gates at Crown Point and Knostrop, a pioneering approach in the UK’s flood defence tactic. The comprehensive development included flood walls and embankments extending 4.5 kilometres from Leeds city centre to Woodlesford, harmonizing with the urban landscape.
The second and more extensive phase of construction began in 2019, entailing a 14-kilometre stretch of engineering works upstream from Leeds City Station along the A65 to Apperley Bridge. This phase integrated various flood defence mechanisms, including flood walls, embankments, and flow control structures, while also preserving historic sites like Kirkstall Abbey.
A standout feature is the new flood storage area near Calverley, engineered to hold an impressive 1,800,000m3 of floodwater — equivalent to the volume of 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Equipped with two moveable flood gates, this sophisticated structure ensures controlled water release post-flooding threat. To observe the construction progress, a timelapse video is available here.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The scheme’s environmental consciousness extends to one of the UK’s most ambitious natural flood management projects. The initiative has introduced the planting of 750,000 trees and land management across an area as vast as 1,700 football fields in the upper Aire catchment. Aimed at capturing and slowing water flow, these measures are anticipated to reduce peak flows by five percent, enhancing flood scheme effectiveness.
Significant habitat areas for wildlife have also been created, including a 2.4-hectare wetland on Kirkstall Meadows and extensive tree and shrub plantings. These environmental upgrades have already welcomed back species like otters and salmon to the river, signaling a thriving ecosystem.
From an economic standpoint, the LFAS promises substantial growth for Leeds. By ameliorating flood risks, previously untenable lands are now viable for development. With regeneration benefits estimated at £774million over the next decade, the scheme is also predicted to catalyze the creation of over 3,000 new jobs. The flood defences bolster the resilience of essential infrastructure, ensuring smooth operation of critical networks and transit systems.
Sustainability has been a priority throughout construction, focusing on reducing carbon footprint by recycling materials and local sourcing to minimize transportation. Research from the University of Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation suggests that, if operated to its full potential even once, the scheme could offset more carbon than its construction consumed, aligning with Leeds City Council’s net zero ambitions.
Funding and Preparedness
A diverse array of funding sources have fueled the LFAS, including government grants, contributions from Leeds City Council, over £20million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and other entities such as the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund. This collaborative financial effort underscores the scheme’s broad-based support and strategic importance.
Despite the advanced defences, preparedness remains crucial. The public is encouraged to stay informed about flood risks and to sign up for the Environment Agency’s free flood warnings. More information on flood preparedness is available at www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding.
Notes to Editors:
Since phase one’s completion, the scheme has been activated nine times, with the probability of such events expected to rise due to climate change. Further details about phase one can be found here. The Aire Resilience Company (ARC), a Community Interest Company (CIC), manages the natural flood management aspect, with more information accessible at Working with nature towards a climate resilient Leeds & Aire valley.
The scheme has been rated ‘Excellent’ under the BREEAM sustainability assessment, particularly excelling in community engagement, resilience, and pollution control. For a comprehensive guide on flood preparation and steps to take, the public can refer to the list provided at the end of this article.
For media enquiries please contact:
Leeds City Council communications and marketing, at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by calling 0113 378 6007.
- The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme has completed a £200 million project to protect over 4,000 homes and 1,000 businesses from severe flooding.
- Key features include moveable weir gates, 4.5 kilometers of flood walls, and a flood storage area capable of holding 1,800,000m³ of water.
- The project, a collaboration between Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency, aims to mitigate risks from one-in-200-year flood events and climate change.
- Environmental efforts include planting 750,000 trees and creating significant wildlife habitats, helping to restore local ecosystems.
- The scheme is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including an estimated £774 million in regeneration and the creation of over 3,000 new jobs.