Renewing Canvey Island’s flood defence revetment

With plans to start in the financial year 2022/23 and last for 2 years, this £35 million project will renew Canvey Island’s existing flood defence revetment along a 3 kilometre stretch of the Island’s southern seafront.

Once completed the Island’s tidal defences will be better protected against erosion for a further 50 years, taking into account the effects of rising sea levels due to climate change, said the Environment Agency.

As well as refurbishing the existing tidal defences, additional enhancements will be made to the Canvey Island shoreline.

According to EA, these will include improved public access along the seaward walkway by providing passing places in narrower areas at the bottom of steps and ramps.

“There will be new steps to the beach and foreshore with project information boards and way finding markers also proposed. The surface of the pathway along the landward side of the seawall between Thorney Bay and Chapman Sands will also be improved,” said EA.

Environment Agency spokesperson, Phil Spearman, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Senior Advisor, said: “We are currently developing detailed designs for the revetment. During early autumn 2021 we will build upon recent discussions with targeted sea front businesses to talk to people in the community and explain more about the plans, and discuss and listen to their views.”

The outline design work was completed in consultation with Castle Point Borough Council and Canvey Island Town Council, as well as members of the Castle Point Regeneration Partnership and local councillors.