Wirral Council is working with expert partners such as the Environment Agency to build a 1.1km flood barrier on South Parade, between its junctions with Sandy Lane and Riversdale Road to reduce the risk of flooding. The flood alleviation scheme aims to protect the area from flooding well into the next century.
Following consultation, detailed plans were approved at Strategic Planning Sub-Committee on 2 November 2021.
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We will create:
- new 1.2m high pre-cast concrete flood wall with integrated seating designed to mitigate the risk of flooding along South Parade
- South Parade promenade, carriageway, cycle way and landward footway re-surfaced with new unified surfacing
- new pedestrian build-outs to South Parade carriageway to create safe pedestrian crossings points - crossings aligned with adjacent side streets and flood wall openings
- opportunities for integrated graphics or public art to promote local history and culture
- seat wall, incorporating celebratory or memorial plaques
- distance way markers to marine lake to create a measured circular route
- new re-imagined public space for the old baths site
Find out more about the project on the Flood Hub website
The look
There will be:
- pre-cast pigmented buff coloured concrete flood wall with incorporated concrete seating in the design of a ‘wave’. This design maximises seating provision.
- buff asphalt paving
- opportunities for individual plaques in seat backs
- way markers set within paving to provide distance information
The bespoke artwork throughout the scheme draws on West Kirby’s history, as well as the area's local landscape and wildlife features for inspiration.
Old baths site
A ‘blank canvas’ public open space suitable for multiple events such as food festivals, markets, music and art performances, award ceremonies etc. Consideration will be given to how the space is activated for events management with power points incorporated into new feature lighting columns. There will be:
- vehicular access with removable flood gate panels
- parking bays
- proposed floor art depicting the original building layout and compass
- former baths area hard-standing to be reconfigured as new events space
- existing concrete rendered wall to be removed
- new flood wall with integrated seating
- new feature lighting (with Gobo projectors and internal mains supply)
- new stepped concrete beach with large boulders and rocks
- restored and relocated shelter
- disabled access ramp integrated with stepped access to waterfront
- proposed railing to water’s edge
Timescales
Work on the West Kirby Flood wall project began in April 2022 and is programmed to run until early 2023. Construction will take place over several distinct phases, during which road and footpath closures will be necessary. This timeframe is in line with the recommendations of a Habitat Regulations Assessment carried out as part of the planning process and will minimize disruption to migrating birds and other wildlife that are present at times at West Kirby.
Project updates
View project updates on the Flood Hub website
View commonly asked questions about the scheme
Subscribe to emails for regular scheme updates:
Consultation
We have provided a number of opportunities for local residents, businesses and anyone with an interest in the council’s proposals to find out more and have their say. This included an online survey and drop in sessions in 2019 which have now closed.
Based on your feedback, the plans for the flood wall have been amended and will now be submitted for planning approval.
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Drop-in sessions and exhibitions were also held in West Kirby throughout October 2015. Over 400 responses were received, with over 70% from residents of West Kirby and 20% identifying themselves as owners of a property or business directly affected by tidal flood risk.
A report looking at feedback from local people about the West Kirby Flood Alleviation scheme has been published and shows that 90% of respondents back a new flood defence, with clear preference being shown for a new structure to be built set back from the iconic promenade.
The PDF file below may not be suitable to view for people with disabilities, users of assistive technology or mobile phone devices.
View commonly asked questions about the scheme
Information sessions for residents and businesses
Residents and businesses adjacent to the development of the new flood defence were invited to attend an information session at the Sail Loft Café located in the Wirral Sailing Centre.
The sessions are for local residents to discuss the programme of works, timings, access to their properties, deliveries, and any other questions they may have with representatives of the agencies involved. Residents who live adjacent to the works, with any questions around parking and access during the works should email WKFA@wirral.gov.uk