Extreme flooding events like the one on Boxing Day 2015 must be prevented at all costs
Extreme flooding events like the one on Boxing Day 2015 must be prevented at all costs
Alan Cox reflects on the critical work delivered by BAM and Mott MacDonald (as BMMJV) over the last decade, to safeguard peoples’ homes and business in and around Leeds from devastating future flooding events.
Alan is the Managing Director for Regions & Transport in BAM’s Civils business and part of the team that delivered the Leeds Flood Alleviation schemes for Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency.
Building confidence in the face of climate change
As the Delivery partner for Leeds City Council, we’re confident this collaboration will leave a legacy that reaches far beyond the construction of just flood defence works – it creates confidence for people and businesses in Leeds that their needs are understood, and their futures are better protected.
Indeed, the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme is about much more than just construction and civil engineering – it’s a tangible example of recognising environmental and climatic changes, along with the challenges that the world faces today and investing in a vibrant City to create a brighter future.
We’re seeing many recent incidents where great cities, such as Leeds, have been devastated by catastrophic flood events. For those affected, these incidents are heartbreaking, and we must do all we can to mitigate the present and predicted effects of the climate change on our communities.
Pride in our region and culture
The people of Yorkshire are a determined and proud lot, I can say that as someone born in Leeds, and brought up in nearby Huddersfield. We’re proud of our heritage and culture, and it’s that pride Leeds City Council has embraced for the flood alleviation project, working with the Environment Agency. Their dedication has motivated all project partners to enable the protection of the city Leeds has become today.
Living our values through innovative work
For BAM, this project has been a chance to live our commitment to ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow’ and deliver something that truly makes a difference to society.
Terms such as “protecting communities and nature”, ‘economic benefits’, and ‘net-zero’ are often spoken about in the context of our future, but on this project, those concepts have become reality. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil fuel, 3D printed concrete usage and ground-breaking social value initiatives are just a few of the innovations we’ve put in place on this project. Very importantly our commitment to protect and minimise our impact on nature as a result of our work.
Regeneration and future opportunities
BAM is committing huge effort and investment to resources in the local area. In addition to being the Environment Agency’s delivery partner constructing flood defences to protect communities across Yorkshire, we’re also a key partner with Network Rail, developing the TransPennine route railway upgrade between Manchester and Leeds.
Both of these projects complement one another, with the Leeds FAS2 project visible by thousands of passing train travellers who have witnessed the construction of the project across the valley where Calverley weir now sits. Both projects are committed to improving our vital infrastructure and securing a brighter future for communities across Yorkshire and the North.
Placed alongside the fact that BAM’s National Apprenticeship programme is based at Leeds College, we see Leeds and its surrounding area as key to our sustainable future too. Many of our apprentices and graduates have spent time on the Leeds Flood Alleviation programme. It’s so rewarding to see them grow as individuals, whilst helping them to develop the tools to create better futures, both for themselves and society in general.
Growth opportunities and exciting times ahead
Our business in the Yorkshire area is growing significantly, presenting yet further opportunities for local people to become involved in our future workforce, make a better life possible for everyone. It’s about creating pathways into apprenticeships and establishing a more resilient, stable economy that benefits everyone in the area.
Creating social value and environmental change
Our commitment to the local community has always been a key priority. We’ve provided local people and local suppliers with the opportunity to showcase their skills and services. As a result, the contracts that were awarded ensured that local businesses and individuals remained integral to this project’s journey.
We’re also immensely proud of the social value outcomes we’ve established for this project. Our commitment in this space has been essential as we work on people’s property, to protect them in the long-term.
Whilst we obviously try to minimise any disruption, we also recognise that we become an integral part of the communities we work in, so we’ve worked hard to deliver value to society. This means working hard to leave a legacy after we’ve gone. Some examples of this include:
- Protecting 4,000 residential properties and 1,000 businesses
- Creating 4,000 student engagements and 1,700 volunteering hours
- Raising £25k to support local charities and organisations
- Creation of habitats that support biodiversity and environmental initiatives, alongside the use of more sustainable materials
- Consider, if Leeds FAS2 prevents just one flood event of the same size as Boxing Day 2015, it will mean a net saving of 6,540 tonnes of CO2e
Collaboration in a challenging economic landscape
Open and honest collaboration has been fundamental to achieving its outcomes. At times, it’s not been easy; we worked through and around the disruptive effects of the Covid Pandemic and through the inflationary effects of the war in Ukraine.
Last year – after delivery of most of the scheme – there was no reported or unexpected flooding through Leeds City, which is hugely gratifying for the team. This gives everyone confidence in what we do, and the investments that are made to make possible a better life for all.
About the author
Alan Cox
Managing Director - Regions and Transport
Alan is BAM UK & Ireland’s Managing Director for Regions and Transport in the Civils business. He’s a passionate Yorkshire native, originating from Leeds and with strong ties to the area still.
Alan holds a wealth of experience in the construction industry and has been with BAM for over 35 years. His career started in the Rail sector, before he progressed through a series of senior roles across Pre-construction, Transport, Regions and into his current director role.
Alan is also the Chair for CECA (Civil Engineering Contractor’s Association) Southern.
