Leeds Flood Alleviation

Client: Bam Nuttall

Work has started on the next stage of a major scheme to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds. Construction on the second phase of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme will see flood defences being built on the River Aire upstream of Leeds Station as part of a catchment wide approach to reducing flood risk.

Leeds City Council is working alongside the Environment Agency on the scheme which aims to invest £112.1 million in flood prevention measures for areas upstream of Leeds city centre, to better protect 1,048 homes and 474 businesses.

The Phase 2 proposals are split into two steps and feature measures such as new defence walls, embankments and a large flood storage area.

The first step of Phase 2, at a cost of £87 million, will give protection against a one-in-100 chance of flooding in any given year along an 8km stretch upstream of Leeds station including three key areas – Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Kirkstall Abbey and Kirkstall Meadows. These works are expected to be complete by winter 2022.