Suffolk Coastal Protection: Balfour Beatty Secures £47m Contract for Resilient Flood Defence
- Michael Ghobrial
- Aug 29
- 4 min read
In a significant move to safeguard communities along the Suffolk coastline, Balfour Beatty has secured a £47 million contract to implement a comprehensive coastal protection and flood defence project near Benacre, south of Kessingland. This landmark initiative aims to enhance resilience against the escalating threats posed by tidal and fluvial flooding. Commissioned by the Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland Internal Drainage Board under the SCAPE framework, the project focuses on protecting critical infrastructure, local businesses, and agricultural assets, making it a vital development for the region.
Project Scope and Technical Highlights
The Benacre flood defence scheme encompasses a variety of critical upgrades designed to bolster the area's flood resilience. Here are the key components of the project:
Replacement of Benacre Pumping Station
The existing Benacre Pumping Station, built in 1955, has outlived its designated life expectancy and is now severely endangered by coastal erosion. The new pumping station will be constructed to modern engineering standards, boasting high-efficiency pumps and a SCADA-based remote monitoring system. This upgraded facility will provide robust flood management capabilities, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the pumping operations.
New Embankment Construction
A purpose-built embankment will stretch across the Lothingland Valley, serving as a crucial barrier against tidal surges. This embankment will be constructed using geotextile reinforcement, engineered fill, and erosion-resistant armouring, all tailored to the local hydrological conditions. Such measures are essential for mitigating potential flood risks from rising water levels in the future.
Secondary Pumping Station
To combat fluvial flood risks, a smaller secondary pumping station will be added to the new embankment. This facility will provide redundancy and operational flexibility during extreme weather events. The design incorporates energy-efficient variable speed drives and automated floodgate controls, making it not only an effective flood defence mechanism but also a sustainable solution.
Creation of Intertidal Habitat
A noteworthy aspect of the scheme is the development of an 82-hectare intertidal habitat. This area will feature a new channel between the embankment and the coastline, aiming to foster a thriving ecosystem that supports migratory and breeding bird populations. By enhancing local biodiversity, this initiative meets environmental compliance standards and contributes to ecological resilience.
Construction Methodology
Balfour Beatty will utilise modular construction techniques to deliver this project efficiently. Here are some highlights of the construction methodology employed:
Offsite Fabrication: The pumping station modules will be fabricated in a controlled environment, allowing for precise quality assurance before being transported to the site.
Low-carbon Concrete: The construction will prioritise the use of low-carbon concrete and recycled materials wherever feasible, minimising the overall environmental footprint of the project.
Environmental Monitoring: Real-time environmental monitoring will ensure compliance with regulatory standards throughout the construction process, safeguarding the local ecosystem.
Phased Construction: The project will be executed in phases, ensuring that flood protection remains intact during the entire duration of the build.
Strategic Benefits
The Benacre project offers significant strategic advantages that extend beyond mere flood defence systems. Below are the key benefits anticipated from this transformative scheme:
Infrastructure Protection
One of the most critical benefits is long-term flood protection for essential infrastructure, including the A12 trunk road, Parkdean Holiday Park, 35 residential properties, 46 businesses, and approximately 600 hectares of agricultural land. This enhanced protection will secure the foundations of local economies reliant on these infrastructures.
Sustainable Delivery
By integrating modern modular construction techniques and environmental stewardship into the project, Balfour Beatty is setting a new benchmark for sustainable coastal defence initiatives across the UK. This approach not only optimises resources but also paves the way for future developments to prioritise sustainability.
Stakeholder Value
Investors, contractors, and consultants linked to regional developments can expect significant improvements in asset resilience, lowering expected future maintenance costs. The project aims to provide assurance and add value to all stakeholders involved, making it a multifaceted achievement that benefits a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
The coastal protection and flood defence scheme near Benacre represents an essential step toward enhancing infrastructure resilience in Suffolk. As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges, the development of effective and sustainable flood management systems becomes increasingly crucial for safeguarding local communities and economies.
This project exemplifies best practices in modern construction and environmental protection, paving the way for future initiatives across the UK. By employing innovative approaches such as modular construction and focusing on biodiversity, Balfour Beatty is not only securing the present but investing in a sustainable future.
Note: most of the images used in this article are artistic expressions or conceptual to bring you a picture as close as possible to reality.
Summary: Benacre Valley Coastal Defence & Pumping-Station Upgrade – Suffolk, UK
Delivery partner
• Balfour Beatty – awarded the £47 million design-and-build contract via the SCAPE Civils framework.
Key stakeholders
• Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland Internal Drainage Board – client and asset owner.
• Environment Agency & East Suffolk Council – statutory regulators/funding partners.
Project scope & timeline
• Replace the life-expired 1955 Benacre Pumping Station with an off-site-fabricated modular facility.
• Build a new 1.7 km flood-protection embankment across the Lothingland Valley and add a secondary fluvial-risk pumping station.
• Excavate an intertidal channel creating 82 ha of wetland habitat for migratory birds, embedding nature-based solutions.
• Enabling works started spring 2025; main construction begins late 2025 with completion slated for 2030.
Community & carbon commitments
• Modular off-site construction reduces lorry movements and embodied CO₂.
• Scheme protects the A12 trunk road, Parkdean Holiday Park, 35 homes, 46 businesses and 600 ha of farmland from tidal and fluvial flooding.
• Balfour Beatty will recruit at least two local ex-forces personnel through its Military Talent Pathway.
Where to monitor job opportunities
• Balfour Beatty careers page & LinkedIn – search “Suffolk flood defence” (roles in civil engineering, H&S, environmental management).
• SCAPE supply-chain portal – SME subcontract and material-supply packages.
• East Suffolk Council contracts finder – minor works and community-engagement services.
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