The coastal town of West Kirby has long been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, drawing people to its picturesque promenade, stunning views, and thriving waterfront community. We learned this the hard way… However, the town has also faced increasing challenges from the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events.
Recognizing the vital importance of protecting the community, the Environment Agency has spearheaded a major flood alleviation scheme to bolster West Kirby’s coastal defences. This ambitious project, now underway, promises to safeguard homes, businesses, and public spaces, while also enhancing the town’s resilience and adapting to the realities of a changing climate.
Planning and Development
The foundations for this flood defence initiative were laid in the Wirral Coastal Strategy, approved by the local council in 2013. The strategy identified West Kirby as the borough’s highest priority for intervention, with a clear need to implement a “hold the line” policy to manage flood and coastal erosion risks.
After a thorough assessment of various options, the preferred approach emerged as the construction of a new secondary linear flood defence. This would involve the creation of a curvilinear flood wall, running along South Parade, complemented by the reconstruction of the promenade and public realm improvements in the area.
“The Shoreline Management Plan for the Wirral coast clearly stated the need to ‘hold the line’ at West Kirby,” explains a spokesperson from the Environment Agency. “This gave us the mandate to develop a robust, long-term solution to protect the community from tidal flooding.”
The project appraisal process, approved by the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance Board in 2018, provided the technical and financial green light for the scheme. After two periods of public consultation, the final plans were submitted to the local planning authority in late 2020, receiving consent the following year.
Infrastructure Upgrades
The core of the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme centres on the construction of a 1.1-kilometre-long curved flood wall, set back from the edge of the marine lake and adjacent to the highway. This innovative design, featuring pre-cast wave wall units on a pile foundation, aims to provide a high level of protection against tidal flooding.
“The curvilinear shape of the wall is key,” notes the Environment Agency spokesperson. “This configuration helps to dissipate wave energy more effectively, reducing the overall impact on the defences.”
In addition to the flood wall, the scheme also includes the reconstruction of the promenade on a piled foundation, as well as significant public realm improvements to the Old Baths Site and surrounding highway areas. These enhancements will not only bolster flood resilience but also revitalise the public spaces, creating a more vibrant and accessible waterfront for the community.
“This isn’t just about building a wall,” the spokesperson emphasizes. “It’s about delivering a comprehensive package of interventions that address flood risk, improve the public realm, and enhance the overall experience of West Kirby’s iconic promenade.”
Environmental Protection
The West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme has been carefully designed to balance the need for robust coastal defences with the imperative of environmental protection. The project team has worked closely with key stakeholders, including the Dee Estuary’s conservation bodies, to double-check that the scheme’s compatibility with the area’s sensitive ecological habitats.
“One of the key planning conditions for this scheme was the requirement to undertake the main construction activities during the April to October period,” the spokesperson explains. “This was to minimise disturbance to the over-wintering and migratory bird populations in the adjacent Dee Estuary, a designated protected site.”
By adhering to these seasonal restrictions and other environmental safeguards, the project aims to safeguard the delicate coastal ecosystems while delivering the necessary flood risk management interventions. This holistic approach exemplifies the Environment Agency’s commitment to sustainable, nature-inclusive solutions that benefit both the community and the local environment.
Community Engagement
Throughout the development of the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme, the Environment Agency has prioritized meaningful community engagement and consultation. This has been crucial in shaping the final proposals and ensuring that the scheme addresses the needs and concerns of local residents and businesses.
“We’ve held two public consultation exercises, one in 2015 and another in 2020, to gather feedback from the community,” the spokesperson says. “This input has been invaluable in refining the scheme’s design and ensuring it meets the expectations of West Kirby’s residents.”
The consultation process has covered a wide range of topics, from the location and aesthetics of the flood defences to the potential impacts on public access and amenities. By actively listening to the community’s voices, the project team has been able to develop a scheme that balances practical flood risk reduction with preserving the unique character and appeal of the West Kirby waterfront.
“We’re really pleased with the level of engagement we’ve had from the local community,” the spokesperson emphasizes. “Their input has been instrumental in shaping this scheme, and we’re confident that the end result will be something the people of West Kirby can be proud of.”
Funding and Delivery
The West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme has seen its funding and budget evolve over time, as the project has progressed through various stages of development. The initial approval of the Project Appraisal Report in 2018 provided the initial technical and financial backing for the scheme.
However, as the design process continued and significant ground investigation works were undertaken, the overall cost of the project increased. Recent spikes in material prices due to global market volatility have also added to the scheme’s price tag. Despite these challenges, the Environment Agency has secured sufficient funding and risk allowance to proceed with the contract award to the appointed contractor, Volkerstevin, with a target cost of £9.64 million.
“The funding for this scheme has been a collaborative effort, with support from various sources,” the spokesperson explains. “We’ve worked closely with the local council and other partners to secure the necessary resources to deliver this vital infrastructure project.”
To expedite the delivery of the scheme, the Environment Agency has leveraged its Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF), which has been subject to OJEU advertising during its procurement. This approach has allowed the project team to streamline the procurement process and avoid the extended timelines associated with a full open competition.
“Using the CDF has been a real advantage for us,” the spokesperson notes. “It’s enabled us to move the scheme forward at a much quicker pace, without compromising on compliance or value for money.”
Looking Ahead
As the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme progresses, the local community can look forward to a more resilient and vibrant waterfront. The new flood defences, combined with the planned public realm improvements, will not only safeguard homes and businesses but also enhance the town’s appeal as a destination for residents and visitors alike.
“This project is about more than just flood risk management,” the Environment Agency spokesperson emphasizes. “It’s about creating a sustainable, future-proofed coastal environment that the people of West Kirby can enjoy for generations to come.”
With the scheme’s construction now underway, the people of West Kirby can take heart in the knowledge that their beloved town is taking proactive steps to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. As the project nears completion, the community can look forward to a more resilient and vibrant waterfront, one that celebrates the town’s unique character while bolstering its defences against the forces of nature.
To stay up to date on the latest developments, be sure to visit westkirby.today – your go-to source for all the news and updates from this exciting coastal community.
Example: New Community Centre Opens in West Kirby 2025
