Projects

Protecting Millport from coastal flooding with North Ayrshire Council

The coastal town of Millport has been identified as an area with significant risk of flooding because of tidal overtopping during storms. Over 650 commercial and residential properties are at risk of damage, calling for a flood protection scheme to improve the community’s resilience to impacts of climate change and increased frequency of storms.

Key information

Client North Ayrshire Council

Location United Kingdom

Project type Infrastructure

Services Project management

Areal view of harbor with green grass and blue sea

Contact

Mark Ferguson

Associate, Infrastructure, UK

07816 359 820

Future-proofing the community from flooding

Millport coastal flood protection scheme was identified as a national priority and placed in the top 10 of 42 proposed flood schemes for delivery under Scotland’s National Flood Risk Strategy.

The UK project includes over 140,000 tonnes of rock revetment. This will create offshore and onshore break waters, new aids to navigation for Millport Bay and Harbour, and precast wall units.

The finished scheme provides a one in 200-year standard of protection for 2km of Millport's coastline, set to reduce the tidal flood risk in any given year for the next 200 years.

The scheme was developed with a high degree of community involvement to ensure that the improved flood defences added to, rather than detracted from, the visual landscape and usability of the shore and marine zones.

Project story

Collaboration to drive productivity

We were initially appointed by North Ayrshire Council to provide project management capabilities. As the scheme progressed, our project team were fully immersed as part of the project delivery team to provide leadership and advice to the council.

The team fostered collaborative and productive relationships with the project partners to help deliver this transformative project on time and on budget.

We also leveraged our UK-wide expertise in flood and environment resilience. This helped provide best practice guidance and lessons learnt from other major flood protection schemes across the UK.

A local economic boost

The coastal investment by North Ayrshire supports the development of infrastructure, aimed at increasing tourism volume and value. This helps tackle unemployment rates, while supporting community inclusion, local business growth and skills.

With the offshore breakwater significantly reducing flood risk, the scheme should encourage further investment and development surrounding the local area.

The project team carried out a successful community benefit plan, including engagement with local schools. This raised awareness around climate change, including its effects on the local area and the need for flood defenses. The team members attended careers events and workshops, showcasing the variety of career opportunities within the construction industry.

The team also exceeded local employment targets. They hired local talent for the duration of the construction period, including apprenticeships and graduate and summer placements.