Work on a new £63 million coastal flood defence scheme in Rossall, Lancashire is now complete.

The development, which was officially opened today, 01 June, was built by Balfour Beatty in partnership with the Environment Agency and Wyre Council to help reduce flood risk to 7,500 homes in the area.

Featuring 2kms of sea defences, the project is designed to last the next 100 years and hold back the Irish Sea during major storms. It comprises of 1.84km of sheet piles, more than 10,000 specially manufactured precast concrete units, 211,000 tonnes of stone, 46,000m3 of insitu concrete and 327,000 tonnes of locally sourced rock from 12 quarries across the north of the UK.

Construction of the scheme has also allowed for improvements to the local environment as part of the new defences. This has included the creation of a new ecology park on the landward side of the defences to enhance the area through its visual impact and environmental footprint.

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Overall, the development is one of the single biggest investments the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has made in a coastal flood scheme to date.

Cllr Roger Berry said: "I'd like to thank all our partners for helping us to deliver the new sea defences. The completed scheme will not only protect our residents, their homes and our businesses and infrastructure, but also has provided us with a visually stunning promenade for walkers and cyclists.

"Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the magnificent coastline, whilst the grasslands will give a contrasting green and natural landscape."

Dean Banks, Balfour Beatty Chief Executive Officer for UK Construction Services, said: "We are delighted that the local community and visitors to the Fylde coast can now fully experience the extensive benefits of the Rossall scheme, which will protect thousands of nearby properties from the risk of flooding and offer a captivating promenade for people of all ages to enjoy.

"The project's success is a testament to the skills and collaborative working relationship between the fully integrated delivery team, with Wyre Council and the Environment Agency."

(LM)