The UK Environment Agency has appointed the contractor Graham to build the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, a major flood defence project for Oxford, with construction due to start in 2027 and run for up to five years, according to the agency and Graham.
The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme centres on a new five kilometre channel and wetland corridor running from north of Botley Road to Kennington, where it reconnects with the River Thames. The route sits to the west of the city centre and is intended to give floodwater somewhere to go before it reaches homes, businesses, rail lines and utility networks.
What the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme involves
Engineers plan to lower parts of the existing floodplain so it can absorb more water during high river stages, then back that up with new embankments, flood walls, culverts, bridges and flood gates. The design also diverts excess flow from the Seacourt, Bulstake and Hinksey Streams during periods of heavy rain, easing pressure on the main river channel through built up parts of the city.
One further change with ecological consequences is the planned removal of the historic Towles Mill weir on Seacourt Stream. Both Graham and the Environment Agency say this will let fish move freely along the waterway for the first time in generations.
Graham and the Environment Agency estimate the scheme will prevent around £1.8bn in flood damage and disruption over its working life, a figure both organisations describe as reflecting avoided harm to property and to the community rather than construction spending itself.
Wetlands, meadow and project partners
Beyond flood control, the scheme sets out to create more than 20 hectares of new wetland habitat and roughly 16 hectares of restored floodplain meadow, linking up existing wildlife sites along the Thames floodplain.
The contract was procured through the Construction Works and Associated Services 2 agreement with the Government Commercial Agency. Delivery involves a partnership spanning the Environment Agency, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, the University of Oxford, Thames Water and National Highways.
Graham contracts director Alastair Lewis said: “This is an extremely important project, given Oxford has lived with the threat of serious flooding for generations. The vital piece of infrastructure will tackle the flood risk directly in a way that works with the landscape rather than against it.” He added that the firm’s team was “well-versed on handling the complexities that come with this kind of work.”
Environment Agency project director Robbie Williams said: “The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will provide the communities of Oxford with peace of mind from the threat of flooding, for decades to come and will leave a lasting green legacy. We are really looking forward to working with GRAHAM, following a rigorous tender process.”
With construction not scheduled to begin until 2027, the immediate next steps involve detailed design and coordination among the partner bodies before ground is broken on the five year build.
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