Second phase of flood scheme hits 'key milestones'

Trees have been removed and further land has been cleared near the A601 Causey Bridge

The second phase of Derby's flood defence scheme has achieved "key milestones," the city council said.

Work on the Derby Riverside project has so far seen buildings being demolished and trees removed along the River Derwent near Exeter House, with the demolition of Peat House also under way.

Further land has been cleared between the A601 Causey Bridge and the Derwent Bridge rail crossing and a one-way system is in place around Meadow Road as ground works have begun in the area.

Derby City Council said its £35m Our City Our River (OCOR) scheme will provide "significant protection" from flooding to many homes and businesses along the left bank of the river.

The demolition of Peat House on Stuart Street is under way

The Environment Agency granted £35m for the scheme back in February.

Epworth House and Derwent Centre in Stuart Street are also due to be demolished, as well as Crompton House in Derwent Street, which will make way for a park and natural flood defences if the river breaks its banks during a flood.

New flood defences have also been built at Phoenix Street.

Derby's Museum of Making experienced major flooding in October 2023

Climate change lead councillor Carmel Swan said she was "really pleased" with the progress being made.

"As our climate continues to change, river flooding remains a risk to many in the city centre.

"Since 2019, we have seen the three highest recorded river levels in the city and significant damage caused by flooding," she said.

Swan said the recent Storm Claudia "highlighted the importance of effective flood defences".

"We've already seen how effective the first phase of defences has been in mitigating damage and disruption and the second and third phases of the scheme will build on this.

"These essential works will protect properties and make our city more resilient to future challenges," she added.

Trees have been removed near Exeter House

A further phase is planned for the area between Chaddesden Sidings and Raynesway on the Derwent's north bank and at Alvaston Park on the south side by 2027.

Phase one of the authority's project with the Environment Agency was carried out between 2015 and 2019.

It included flood alleviation measures between the Alfreton Road Industrial Estate and Sowter Road to protect more than 2,000 properties.

This came after the River Derwent burst its banks in 2023 and caused widespread flooding along the eastern bank of the river following Storm Babet.