Arun East Bank flood defence scheme in Littlehampton opens to the public

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Works to enhance the public realm along the new Arun East Bank flood defence scheme in Littlehampton, West Sussex, are now complete and open to the public.

Independent design, environment and sustainability consultancy, LDA Design, was appointed as landscape architect to transform 2.5km of waterfront alongside the River Arun as part of a joint project with the Environment Agency (EA) and Arun District Council.

The works, which form part of the EA’s £22 million scheme of flood defence works to the East Bank of the River Arun, comprise of urban waterfront public realm as well as suburban and rural landscapes. The project also includes the regeneration of the promenade at Pier Road and Arun Parade which was part-funded by the council.

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Andrew Gilham, Environment Agency Flood & Coastal Risk Manager, said “We are really pleased with the completed scheme. In addition to significantly reducing flood risk to over 1,000 homes and businesses, we have also delivered a fantastic public realm which will greatly benefit the local tourism economy.”

Cllr Terence Chapman, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services at Arun District Council, commented: “The scheme successfully delivers the Council’s vision to continue the regeneration of the town’s waterfront and improve this area for the local community and visitors.”

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LDA Design has integrated the flood defences sensitively, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural context and reinforcing the connectivity between the town centre and the River Arun. There are a combination of low ramps, pedestrian steps, timber seating terraces and planted slopes, creating an attractive and unified public realm, which has already resulted in more visitors to the town.

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Sophie Thompson, Director at LDA Design, said: “This scheme shows that intelligent design has the power to deliver profound and lasting economic and environmental benefits. The flood defences will remove flood risk whilst simultaneously creating a destination place in the town for both the local community and visitors to enjoy.”

LDA Design was involved in the project from the initial concept design through to completion, working in collaboration with the local community, the EA, Arun District council and CH2M Hill.

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Image Credits | Courtesy of LDA Design

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Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of World Landscape Architecture (WLA). He is a registered landscape architect (AILA) working in international design practice in Australia. Damian founded WLA in 2007 to provide a website for landscape architects written by landscape architects. Connect on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianholmes/