Winchester flood defence scheme completed
The new major new flood defence for Winchester at Durngate has now been completed.
The multi-stage scheme now protects Winchester city centre with an uninterrupted 950-meter flood defence system from Wales Street to Gordon Road. The off-site environmental work will also have a positive impact on biodiversity at Clausentum Fen and The Nuns’ Stream, plus also providing flood refuges for otters and voles on Winnall Moor.
The scheme was jointly funded by Winchester City Council, with £800,000 coming from the Community Infrastructure Levy, and the Environment Agency, who provided £548,000 of funding.
Cllr Lynda Murphy, Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, said:
“The completion of the Durngate flood defence system comes as welcome relief to the city’s homes, businesses and historic buildings.
These works provide flood defences for the heart of our city, adding to the already completed works that help defend residents in Water Lane, St Bedes School and the North Walls area.
"During what has been a difficult time for everybody in the face of the pandemic, it is a considerable achievement to complete the project on time and on budget, and especially welcome as we head into the wetter months of the year.”
David Martin, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager for Hampshire, said:
“The Environment Agency has invested over £1.3million to reduce the risk of flooding in Winchester since 2014 and we are extremely proud to have worked alongside Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council to ensure the successful delivery of this project. The scheme is an important step towards reducing the disruption and impact of flooding on people and their property.”