Work done on the $61.2M Millport Flood Protection scheme

North Ayrshire Council has announced the successful completion of a £48 million (approx. $61.25 million) flood protection scheme on the Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland.

Work started on Millport Flood Protection Scheme in spring 2023 to help improve the safety and security of the island’s residents against increased coastal flooding threats.

Throughout the works:

• more than 950 precast units were placed along the coastline to form the backbone of the flood defence system;
• 1720 cubic meters of concrete was used to help create the foundations for units that will protect the town; and
• 142,000 tonnes of rock was used to create the breakwaters that minimise the wave energy that can reach the sea walls around the shores of Millport Bay.

“It is fantastic to see that Millport Flood Protection Scheme has been completed – on time – with just some minor snagging and landscaping still to be done,” said Councilor Tony Gurney. “I would like to congratulate our Neighbourhood Services team for delivering the project on time in October, and to a high standard, in partnership with our main contractors.”

The main contractor for the flood protection work in Millport was Van Oord UK Ltd, with support from subsidiary Mackley Civil Engineering.

Joris Jipping, Project Manager at Van Oord, said: “We worked closely with North Ayrshire Council, the local community and other stakeholders to ensure successful completion of the project. It was a fantastic project to be a part of.”

Ben Hamer, Managing Director at Mackley, added: “The new scheme will last for decades and offers much-needed protection for the homes and businesses of Millport. The scheme provides much more than flood risk reduction and has created an enhanced social space for the main town.”

This project was managed on behalf of the Council by global professional services business Turner & Townsend, with support from the Principal Designer Royal Haskoning DHV.