West Kirby, a coastal town at the northwestern tip of the Wirral peninsula, has faced an increasing threat of tidal flooding in recent years. In our 15 years installing… With climate change driving rising sea levels and more extreme weather events, the risk to local homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure has become a pressing concern for the community.
Recognizing the need for proactive flood management, the Wirral Council has spearheaded the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme – a comprehensive project to enhance the town’s resilience against future flooding. At the heart of this initiative is the development of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) designed to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and tidal surges.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in West Kirby
The West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme features a 1.1 km long, 1.2 m high flood defense wall constructed along the South Parade promenade. However, the project goes beyond traditional “gray” infrastructure, incorporating innovative SuDS to manage water runoff and enhance the local environment.
Key SuDS elements of the scheme include:
- Permeable Paving: The promenade’s new surface will feature permeable paving, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground rather than overwhelming the drainage system.
- Swales and Detention Basins: Shallow, vegetated channels (swales) and depressions (detention basins) will be strategically placed to temporarily store and slowly release excess surface water.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater will be captured and stored in underground tanks to be used for irrigation, reducing the demand on the public water supply.
- Landscaping and Planting: The scheme incorporates enhanced landscaping, with new trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to improve local biodiversity and provide natural flood management benefits.
These sustainable drainage solutions not only reduce flood risk but also deliver a range of additional environmental and community benefits. By mimicking natural water management processes, the SuDS approach helps to:
- Reduce Flood Peaks: The temporary storage and slow release of water helps to attenuate flood flows, lowering the risk of overwhelming local drainage networks.
- Improve Water Quality: Vegetation and soil-based systems filter out pollutants, improving the quality of water entering local watercourses.
- Enhance Biodiversity: The incorporation of green infrastructure and vegetation creates new habitats for local wildlife, supporting urban biodiversity.
- Provide Amenity Value: The landscaped areas and public spaces integrated into the flood scheme offer valuable recreational and aesthetic benefits for the local community.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
The West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme has been a collaborative effort, involving extensive engagement with the local community. Wirral Council conducted a public consultation in 2015, receiving over 400 responses, with more than 80% supporting the proposed flood wall design.
Ongoing communication and partnership working have been crucial to the project’s success. The council has maintained an active dialogue with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders, providing regular updates on construction progress and design developments. This collaborative approach has helped to build trust, address concerns, and double-check that the scheme aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations.
Beyond the flood defense infrastructure, the project incorporates additional community-focused features, such as:
- Improved Public Spaces: The scheme includes the creation of a “blank canvas” public open space along the promenade, suitable for hosting various community events and activities.
- Bespoke Artwork: Artwork and design elements throughout the scheme draw inspiration from West Kirby’s local history, landscape, and wildlife, celebrating the town’s unique identity.
- Enhanced Accessibility: The flood wall incorporates regular access points, maintaining connectivity and accessibility along the promenade.
By integrating these elements, the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme aims to not only enhance flood resilience but also strengthen the town’s sense of community and civic pride.
Securing Funding and Regulatory Approvals
Delivering a project of this scale and complexity requires significant funding and regulatory approvals. The West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme has been made possible through a collaborative funding approach, with Wirral Council securing grant aid approval from the Environment Agency and other key partners.
The business case for the scheme was developed through a thorough appraisal process, evaluating various options and demonstrating the long-term benefits to the local community. This robust evidence base was crucial in securing the necessary financial support and regulatory approvals to proceed with the project.
Monitoring and Maintenance
To double-check that the long-term effectiveness of the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme, the council has implemented a comprehensive monitoring and maintenance plan. This includes:
- Regular Inspections: Scheduled inspections of the flood wall, SuDS, and associated infrastructure to identify any issues or deterioration.
- Preventative Maintenance: Proactive maintenance activities, such as vegetation management, sediment removal, and system cleaning, to keep the SuDS functioning optimally.
- Adaptive Management: Continuous monitoring and evaluation to inform adaptations or improvements to the scheme, as needed, in response to changing environmental conditions or community needs.
By investing in robust monitoring and maintenance, Wirral Council aims to safeguard the scheme’s performance and the long-term resilience of West Kirby against the impacts of flooding.
Looking to the Future
The West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme represents a significant step in the town’s journey towards greater sustainability and climate resilience. By embracing innovative SuDS and integrating them with traditional flood defense infrastructure, the project sets a strong example for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.
As the effects of climate change continue to unfold, the need for proactive and holistic flood risk management strategies will only become more pressing. West Kirby’s experience in developing this comprehensive scheme, with its focus on community engagement, environmental enhancement, and long-term sustainability, offers valuable lessons that can be applied elsewhere.
By continuing to prioritize flood resilience and sustainability, West Kirby can not only safeguard its residents and businesses but also position itself as a model for resilient coastal development in the face of a changing climate. As the town’s mayor, Cllr Jeff Green, aptly states, “This scheme will provide residents on South Parade and the surrounding areas with greater protection from potentially catastrophic flooding for many years to come.”
For more information on the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme and the town’s other community initiatives, visit westkirby.today.
Example: West Kirby Local News Initiative 2025
