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Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme (RRFAS)

An innovative, award-winning scheme. Reducing the risk of flooding and supporting redevelopment and regeneration in and around Rotherham town centre.

Location:

5km of the River Don, through Templeborough, Rotherham town centre, Parkgate and Kilnhurst

Timeframe:

  • Phase 1: Templeborough to Rotherham town centre, completed in 2011
  • Phase 2B: Forge Island, completed in 2020
  • Phase 2C: Canal Barrier, completed in 2022
  • Phase 2A: Ickles Lock to Centenary Way, completed in 2023
  • Remaining phases in design stage with funding sought for construction

Cost:

£31.1m for phases completed by 2023

Background:

The heart of Rotherham’s urban area is home to hundreds of businesses and homes. It also incorporates vital transport links, including roads, railway and tram train networks. Flooding has impacted them all, along with crucial infrastructure like water and sewerage. The June 2007 flood event led to the council incurring £15m in extra costs. Residents, businesses and infrastructure operators also incurred significant costs.

A large white barrier above the canal in the open position.
The Rotherham Canal Barrier – Credit: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary of project:

The aim of the RRFAS is to reduce the risk of flooding to people, property and infrastructure. It is being delivered through a partnership approach and in phases, due to its scale.

The RRFAS’s range of measures include new flood defence walls and infrastructure, such as the canal barrier at Forge Island. The project is also improving public realm and creating a new wetland at Centenary Riverside, Templeborough.

A colourful mural on a wall reading “by industry and honour”
Completed mural and new defences – Credit: Jackson Civils

Members of the project team and councillors received an award beside the canal barrier.
Smeaton award presentation – Credit: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Aerial view of extensive flooding of a railway line
Flooded railway line in Rotherham, November 2019 – Credit: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Flooded town centre at night.
Flooding in Rotherham town centre in November 2019 – Credit: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Watch the installation of the Rotherham Canal Barrier.

Find out more about the Ickles Lock Project.

The project recognises that a changing climate is increasing the risk of flooding. Phase 1 included installing structural foundations that will allow the raising of flood defences in the future if needed.

Benefits:

  • To date, the scheme has reduced the risk of flooding to key roads, the rail network and over 100 businesses. It has improved key employment areas in Rotherham, securing existing jobs and creating new ones.

  • The flood defences at Forge Island have supported the major redevelopment of this new leisure destination in the heart of Rotherham.

  • A partnership between a range of organisations has given new life to a former steelworks site, creating 4.5 hectares of wetlands at Templeborough. Managed by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, the Centenary Riverside Nature Reserve forms part of the wider flood alleviation scheme. Designed as a floodplain, it is also home to a wide variety of plants, flowers, birds, mammals and insects. It provides a valuable green space in the wider industrial and commercial landscape.

  • Multiple awards have recognised the success of works already delivered:

    • Phase 1 won the Flood Risk Management category of the BURA Waterways Renaissance Awards 2010
    • The Rotherham Canal Barrier won the Smeaton Award at the ICE Yorkshire and Humber Awards 2023

Further Information

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