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Rising Water, Rising Solutions: Derby Riverside Flood Alleviation Scheme

An architectural rendering of a development area near a river. The image features a row of trees, some with red foliage, along a grassy area adjacent to a building with large openings. A wooden fence runs along the riverbank, and several vehicles are parked nearby. The background includes trees and a clear sky.

The Derby Riverside Flood Alleviation Scheme exemplifies progress in flood risk services innovation, showcasing our capabilities while leveraging Tetra Tech’s broader expertise in technical engineering design.

In early 2022 an opportunity arose for Tetra Tech to apply our flood alleviation experiences and expertise in design and planning for urban rivers for Derby Riverside.

Challenge

The ambitious flood alleviation scheme required a full multidisciplinary team to deliver RIBA stages 1-3 within a challenging 10-month timeframe for submission to planning.

When constructed, the scheme will establish 1.2km of new flood defences to the northern area of the city centre, offering advanced protection to over 1,000 residences and businesses against both existing and future flooding risks exacerbated by climate change for the next century.

The planning submission also needed to be in line with the original tender programme commitment.

Solution

Following the award, the team efficiently achieved every milestone in the initial programme, including an intrusive ground investigation on-site within six weeks of the award.

Two stages of design freeze were also accomplished, incorporating innovative technical solutions to instil confidence within the final outcome, which subsequently enabled the commencement of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) workstreams.

To ensure the best possible solution for the client, the Tetra Tech Flood team engaged with the specialist SME, Axis P.E.D Limited, for planning and landscape consultancy, to leverage their unique experience in delivering similar schemes for the Environment Agency.

The team retrofitted the design of a complex 1970s reinforced concrete highway structure that included an integrated standalone flood defence wall. To manage any wet and dry surface water risks, a cutting-edge blue/green Sustainable urban Drainage System (SuDS) was designed.

This collaboration, combined with the team’s determination to achieve the client requirements and development of a tailored proposal, resulted in securing the project through a winning tender.

Benefits

  • Through a combination of Tetra Tech’s applied project management and technical excellence principles ensuring quality-driven outcomes, the Derby Riverside project was a success.
  • This approach not only secured the planning submission but also led the client to retain our services for the subsequent phases of the project.
  • Following this success Tetra Tech was awarded the detailed design (RIBA 4) phase of the Derby Riverside scheme in August 2023.
  • We are working alongside the client and their contractor to develop the detailed design to enable commencement on site in Summer 2025.
A side-by-side comparison of the Riverside Apartments area. The top image labeled "Pre-Development" shows an unrefined landscape with overgrown grass and a wall with graffiti. The bottom image labeled "Post-Development" displays a transformed area with a well-maintained pathway, landscaped greenery, and modern features, indicating significant improvements.
A view of the area around the Statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie after development, featuring new buildings, a flood defense barrier, and public spaces. Labels indicate various features such as "Phoenix Green" and "Causey Bridge."
An image showing the area outside the Council House after development, featuring Exeter House prominently in the foreground. The scene includes a new flood defense barrier with glass panels adjacent to the building. Labels indicate the flood defense barrier and other buildings that will be visible due to proposed changes, along with trees and a river in the background.
An image of Stuart Street after development, showcasing new public open spaces and a flood defense barrier. The scene features several modern buildings in the background, with greenery and landscaping in the foreground. Labels indicate the new public open spaces and the flood defense barrier, along with a note about buildings that will be visible due to proposed changes.
An image of Meadow Road after development, featuring a newly resurfaced pathway alongside a flood defense barrier. The scene includes a landscaped area with small plants and trees, and a modern railing along the path. Signs indicate the new flood defense barrier and the resurfaced path.

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