£1.5m flood resilience scheme in Sheepscar complete

National World - LocalTV

Essential refurbishment works have been undertaken to enhance flood resilience for over 250 businesses and 50 residential properties in Sheepscar and Mabgate.

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00:00Wetter winters, drier summers and increased rainfall can worsen vulnerabilities to historic

00:05structures such as this one, close to Leeds City Centre, increasing the risk of flooding.

00:11Now, restorative works have been completed at Sheepscar Beck to enhance flood resilience

00:16for over 250 businesses and 50 residential properties in Sheepscar and Mabgate.

00:22The £1.5 million scheme was funded by the Environment Agency and the West Yorkshire

00:27Combined Authority, with modelling undertaken by Mott MacDonald. Work focused on repairing and

00:33upgrading the Beck's infrastructure to maintain its effectiveness in mitigating flood risk.

00:38A key part of the restoration was the reuse of reclaimed brickwork to retain the historic

00:43character of the Beck, with new materials only incorporated where necessary. Local traders

00:48played a role by providing access, facilitating work on their land and helping to procure materials.

00:54While the works do not change the flood zone status of the area, they are deemed essential

00:59in preserving current level of flood resilience. The completed works are expected to prevent

01:04approximately £15 million in flood-related damage and around 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions,

01:12which would be incurred in the clean-up of a flood event. Those emissions are more than

01:1610 times the amount produced during construction. Alongside maintaining the flood resilience of the

01:21area, there are enhancements underway to improve the area for residents and wildlife. Bat boxes,

01:27public waste bins and a new public seating area on the corner of Bristol Street and cross

01:32Stamford Street have been installed. Upwards of 20 trees will be planted in the area later in the

01:38year and there are plans for a community-led arts installation to be commissioned and installed

01:42in the area in 2026.

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