Work Commences On £38 million Suffolk Flood Barrier

Work has just started on a flood barrier that is being built at the mouth of the New Cut of the River Orwell on Ipswich waterfront, and upon completion in some five years time, will offer protection for some 1,500 homes and 400 businesses.

Site Of Proposed Flood Barrier

There is a great deal of symbolism in the timing of the recent celebration of the ground breaking works, which tie in poignantly with the 60th anniversary of the 1953 east coast tidal flood in which 400 people lost their lives.

Ben Gummer, Ipswich MP, said: "By ensuring we will have the best protection possible from the risk of flooding, the scheme will be a signal to developers that we can now get cracking with the patchwork of disused sites that lie around the centre of Ipswich."

Richard Benyon, Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said: "We recently remembered the 60th anniversary of the 1953 east coast tidal flood  and we wanted to make sure we're protecting big, important economic areas like Ipswich.We know we get £8 back for every £1 spent on flood defences in terms of benefits to the economy, regeneration and people not making claims on their insurance."

Planners have calculated that the 400 businesses that are going to benefit from protection are responsible for 4,000 jobs in the town centre.

Charles Beardall, area manager for the Environment Agency, said: "As sea level rise increases, we need to make sure Ipswich gets the protection it needs. With 1953, it's not if it's going to happen again, it's when."

With a number of ancillary works, there is a likelihood that the overall bill could be closer to £53 million. In February, the government pledged £24.5 million, and the balance will come from Ipswich Borough Council, Haven Gateway and the New Anglian Local Enterprise Partnership.