Balfour Beatty has completed the £63m Rossall coastal defence scheme for Wyre Council in partnership with the Environment Agency.
The scheme is designed to protect the town’s tramway, hospital and schools and reduce flood risk to 7,500 nearby residential properties through two kilometres of sea defences.
The coastline also created a promenade lined with artwork and a poetry trail, as well as a new ecology park designed by British sculptor Stephen Broadbent featuring a lagoon and new flora and fauna.
More than 10,000 specially manufactured precast concrete units were lifted into position during the project, alongside 86,342 tonnes of rock underlayer and 241,000 tonnes of rock armour sourced from 12 quarries across the north of the UK.
Dean Banks, Balfour Beatty's chief executive officer for UK Construction Services, said: 'The project’s success is a testament to the skills and collaborative working relationship between the fully integrated delivery team, with Wyre Council and the Environment Agency.'
Sir James Bevan, Environment Agency chief executive, said: 'This is one of the biggest investments ever in a coastal flood scheme. It will reduce flood risk to 7,500 homes, create new green space and benefit the local economy, including by using locally sourced materials.
'It’s a great example of partnership: by working together the Environment Agency, Wyre Council, our other partners and the local community have helped create an even better place for people and wildlife.'
Cllr Roger Berry, neighbourhood services and community safety portfolio holder at Wyre Council comments: 'Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the magnificent coastline, while the grasslands will give a contrasting green and natural landscape.'
The Rossall scheme forms part of the Fylde Peninsula Coastal Programme, encompassing the Fairhaven to Church Scar Coastal Protection Scheme in Lytham and the Anchorsholme Coastal Protection Scheme in Blackpool which was recently completed by Balfour Beatty.
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