Station Approach, Canvey Island
Station Approach, Canvey Island
Nestled in the Thames Estuary, Canvey Island has a deep-rooted connection with water, but its proximity also means facing a constant threat of flooding.
The devastating night of January 31st 1953, remains vivid in the collective memory, as a surging tide, driven by high tides and powerful winds swept across the island, leaving destruction in its path. The death toll was staggering, as 58 lives were lost on Canvey Island alone, and over 24,000 homes were flooded, forcing 13,000 to seek refuge on rooftops and wait for rescue rowboats for over 13 hours.
The natural disaster was described as Britain’s worst!
Amidst the chaos, stories of resilience emerged as residents banded together, supported by the efforts of the Army in evacuation and aid. The flood’s legacy prompted significant investment in flood management, exemplified by the construction of the Thames Barrier, a testament to lessons learned and a safeguard against future disasters.
The flood of 1953, while a tragedy, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing threat posed by rising sea levels and the importance of proactive preparation, especially due to much of Canvey Island sitting below the daily high-water level in the Thames Estuary. It inspires continued efforts to address climate change and design accordingly.
The Thames barriers aren’t expected to make it past 2070 – without replacement, modelling from Earth.org suggests local sea levels (SLR) will rise by up to 2.5 meters by 2100.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Nestled in the Thames Estuary, Canvey Island has a deep-rooted connection with water, but its proximity also means facing a constant threat of flooding.
The devastating night of January 31st 1953, remains vivid in the collective memory, as a surging tide, driven by high tides and powerful winds swept across the island, leaving destruction in its path. The death toll was staggering, as 58 lives were lost on Canvey Island alone, and over 24,000 homes were flooded, forcing 13,000 to seek refuge on rooftops and wait for rescue rowboats for over 13 hours.
The natural disaster was described as Britain’s worst!
Amidst the chaos, stories of resilience emerged as residents banded together, supported by the efforts of the Army in evacuation and aid. The flood’s legacy prompted significant investment in flood management, exemplified by the construction of the Thames Barrier, a testament to lessons learned and a safeguard against future disasters.
The flood of 1953, while a tragedy, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing threat posed by rising sea levels and the importance of proactive preparation, especially due to much of Canvey Island sitting below the daily high-water level in the Thames Estuary. It inspires continued efforts to address climate change and design accordingly.
The Thames barriers aren’t expected to make it past 2070 – without replacement, modelling from Earth.org suggests local sea levels (SLR) will rise by up to 2.5 meters by 2100.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
In urban development, over 70 years later, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are crucial in the early stages of planning to enable responsible design. ‘MicroSuDS’ is a finer approach to stormwater management and is gaining traction, Including innovative solutions from GreenBlue Urban including the Hydroplanter Flex.
Features of the Hydroplanter Flex:
- Fully modellable
- All required components within the rain garden are supplied in a single system
- In-house design and installation support service
- Exceedance Chamber for overflow and inspection/maintenance
- Full design/specification support for architects and drainage/SuDS engineers
In urban development, over 70 years later, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are crucial in the early stages of planning to enable responsible design. ‘MicroSuDS’ is a finer approach to stormwater management and is gaining traction, Including innovative solutions from GreenBlue Urban including the Hydroplanter Flex.
Features of the Hydroplanter Flex:
- Fully modellable
- All required components within the rain garden are supplied in a single system
- In-house design and installation support service
- Exceedance Chamber for overflow and inspection/maintenance
- Full design/specification support for architects and drainage/SuDS engineers
The Station Approach scheme was developed by Morgan Brookes, where flood issues were addressed and approved by Castle Point Borough Council.
Detailing was supported by GreenBlue Urban with site calculations and bespoke CAD Design, to effectively take the entire site’s water runoff, efficiently managing stormwater while enhancing biodiversity, supporting natural habitats, and mitigating flood risks to surrounding areas.
Onsite support with installation was given, as the Hydroplanter Flex was installed in October 2022 by Shiv Sai Builders Ltd, using the finalised CAD detail was paramount for products to effectively retain water inflow and operate as intended. With streamlined specification, low maintenance, flood risk reduction, and enhanced biodiversity – which is particularly important following the Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain Legislation from 12th February 2024 are all key benefits in using MicroSuDs solutions.
Consideration of local flood risks, like those on Canvey Island is crucial. Resources like the GOV.UK flooding service provides valuable insights for proactive mitigation. Together, with innovative SuDS solutions and strategic planning, we can create resilient and sustainable urban environments.
Simplifying SuDS is GreenBlue’s ambition to be Climate Change Ready – navigate to our SUDS Is Fun blog to understand how you can implement MicroSuDS and make a big impact.
The Station Approach scheme was developed by Morgan Brookes, where flood issues were addressed and approved by Castle Point Borough Council.
Detailing was supported by GreenBlue Urban with site calculations and bespoke CAD Design, to effectively take the entire site’s water runoff, efficiently managing stormwater while enhancing biodiversity, supporting natural habitats, and mitigating flood risks to surrounding areas.
Onsite support with installation was given, as the Hydroplanter Flex was installed in October 2022 by Shiv Sai Builders Ltd, using the finalised CAD detail was paramount for products to effectively retain water inflow and operate as intended. With streamlined specification, low maintenance, flood risk reduction, and enhanced biodiversity – which is particularly important following the Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain Legislation from 12th February 2024 are all key benefits in using MicroSuDs solutions.
Consideration of local flood risks, like those on Canvey Island is crucial. Resources like the GOV.UK flooding service provides valuable insights for proactive mitigation. Together, with innovative SuDS solutions and strategic planning, we can create resilient and sustainable urban environments.
Simplifying SuDS is GreenBlue’s ambition to be Climate Change Ready – navigate to our SUDS Is Fun blog to understand how you can implement MicroSuDS and make a big impact.
