Mar 31 2004
A £1m funding package is set to transform Peterborough's Eastern Industry area, attracting further growth and investment to the city. The money for improvements to flood defences has been paid by national regeneration agency English Partnerships, which is working in partnership with Peterborough City Council and the Environment Agency.
The improvements will pave the way for future commercial development on 42.8 ha (106 acres) of land, of which more than half is owned by English Partnerships. The environmental and drainage improvements will be designed to protect against a one-in-100-years flood event. The work is required to secure approval from the Environment Agency and Peterborough City Council to build on the land.
English Partnerships Executive Director Denis Hone says, “This investment is part of our on-going support for Peterborough, which we regard as an important regional centre. There continues to be a high level of interest in our development sites in the Eastern Industry area and it is important that we bring more commercial sites forward to enhance and maintain the attraction of Peterborough to new and expanding companies.”
Trevor Gibson, Peterborough City Council's Director of Environmental Services, says, “The City Council welcomes these important improvements. Flood defence is a critical issue in Peterborough and the proposed works will ensure that existing development is protected whilst making further land available for developments which will contribute positively to Peterborough's economic future."
Although there have been no reported flooding incidents in the Eastern Industry area, the new measures allow for predicted climate change over the next 50 years. The partners agreed the proposals following a detailed survey of 2.4 square miles (6 sq km) of the Padholme Road catchment area.
Tony Worth, Chairman of the Welland and Nene Local Flood Defence Committee, says, “The Environment Agency and Committee are very pleased that the issue of flood risk is being resolved prior to further development proceeding in this area. We particularly welcome the opportunities for environmental enhancement and the financial commitment to future maintenance. This is an excellent example of local authority, government bodies and regulators working together to ensure that development helps to meet one of our major objectives in reducing flood risk.“
The flood protection works include clearing and dredging a network of existing drainage channels that empty via Padholme pumping station into the River Nene.
Part of the funding package is allocated for future maintenance of drainage ditches and an allowance has also been made for archaeological protection works in the vicinity of the internationally important Flag Fen Bronze Age excavation and visitor centre.
Low-lying banks of some drainage channels will be raised and a flood storage area will be created, allowing environmental enhancement in the form of a wetland habitat. Two undersized culverts will be doubled in diameter where they carry Racecourse Drain beneath Third Drove and downstream of Second Drove.
Source: English Partnerships