Derby City Council has awarded a £38 million contract to construction firm John Sisk & Son (Sisk) to deliver the next phase of the city's flood defence scheme, as part of the ongoing Our City, Our River programme.

Known as Derby Riverside, the latest stage of the initiative will focus on enhancing flood resilience for properties along the left (east) bank of the River Derwent, stretching from Causey Bridge to Derwent Bridge. Key works will include the construction of new flood walls and floodgates to protect Exeter House and homes on Meadow Road and Meadow Lane.

The project also involves the demolition of riverside office blocks on Stuart Street to create a new green space, which will act as a flood conveyance corridor, allowing more room for flood water to pass through the city in a controlled manner.

Enabling works are set to begin imminently, with demolition and construction expected to start in May. As part of the preparations, a number of riverside trees will be removed to ensure the effectiveness of the new defences and the flood corridor.

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Alan Rodger, Managing Director, Sisk Infrastructure, said: "We're delighted to be working with Derby City Council on this phase of the Our City, Our River programme. We understand how vital this project is for further flood prevention and the regeneration of this area in the centre of the city. Our team of dedicated professionals will leverage the latest innovations and sustainability practices to help deliver this fantastic scheme, alongside social value projects in the local community."

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, welcomed the signing of the contract: "I'm delighted that the contract is now signed with John Sisk and Sons to deliver the vital second phase of the Our City, Our River flood defence project. These works are crucial as we continue to future proof the city against extreme weather and unlock the potential for regeneration along the river. We can now look forward to seeing work begin on site in the near future."

David Turnbull, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Derbyshire and Leicestershire for the Environment Agency, added: "This contract award marks another step forward in delivering the Our City Our River Programme and making Derby more resilient to the threat of climate change. The Environment Agency are proud to be in partnership with Derby City Council for this journey, and we are delighted to see this complex but vital phase of the programme begin very soon."