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Thousands of homes and businesses in the West of England are now better defended from flood risks following a £120 million project. The Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area Ecological Mitigation and Flood Defence Project is the largest scheme of its kind ever undertaken in the region.
It has delivered 17km of new flood defences stretching from Lamplighter's Marsh in the south to Aust Cliff in the north, providing long-term protection to communities, livelihoods and jobs in one of the UK's most important economic areas. The new infrastructure includes earth embankments, flood gates and sheet pile walls, as well as innovative glass panels that help guard against flooding while preserving scenic views of the Severn Estuary.
The project, launched in 2020 by BMMjv - a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald - has been developed in consultation with local residents.
Councillor Chris Willmore, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, said: "The completion of this project marks a major achievement for the region.
"People living and working in the area now have greater peace of mind, knowing they're better protected from the growing risks of flooding - not just today, but for generations to come."
"Looking ahead, we are delighted that further works on the section of railway to the south of Severn Beach are already in progress. These will be delivered in partnership with Network Rail over the next five years, with early design work already under way and construction planned for 2030."
In addition to flood defence, the project created vital new habitats to support wildlife and biodiversity in the internationally recognised Severn Estuary.
More than 80 hectares of wetlands have been established at Northwick and Hallen Marsh, providing a home for a diverse population of waterbirds, including European white-fronted geese, shelduck and redshank. Water voles, among the UK's most endangered mammals, were also introduced into the wetlands.
The project also saw:
The planting of two hectares of native trees and shrubs The installation of new habitats designed for barn owls, bats and otters. The addition of improved walking routes to help residents and visitors enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Commenting on the project, Ron Curtis - Area Flood & Coastal Risk Manager (Wessex East) for the Environment Agency - said: "We're proud to have played a key role in this landmark project.
"It not only strengthens flood defence for communities and businesses in the area but also delivers vital new habitats that support wildlife in the internationally recognised Severn Estuary.
"This is a powerful example of how partnership, innovation and ambition can safeguard our environment while driving growth and security for the future."
SGC and BCC Project Lead Ursula Stevenson said: "This project represents years of careful planning and its success is a testament to the strong collaboration between councils, agencies and local people, all working to build a safer, greener and more resilient Avonmouth and Severnside."
The project is set to unlock the full potential of the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) - a 1,800-hectare economic hub stretching five miles along the Severn Estuary.
With key flood defences now in place, the area offers enhanced security and confidence to businesses and investors, opening the door to continued development and growth.
This increased resilience is expected to drive the creation of 12,000 new jobs by 2026 and generate £1.4 billion in economic benefits by 2038.
The scheme complements wider infrastructure investment across ASEA - including a new M49 junction, improved public transport and full fibre broadband - all helping to attract global investment and deliver long-term economic opportunity.
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee at Bristol City Council, said: "This vital infrastructure paves the way for long-term opportunities that will benefit our region for years to come, opening the door for the Enterprise Area to truly become the economic hotbed we know it can be."
The project was led in partnership by South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the Environment Agency. It was funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Economic Development Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority, and Flood Defence Grant in Aid from Defra, with further funding from Defra and the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.