Lagoon Hull: Study adds to ‘growing evidence’ that £1.5bn scheme ‘is viable’
AMBITIOUS: A computer-generated image of how the £1.5bn lagoon would look
Plans to create a £1.5bn lagoon in the River Humber have received another boost with an Environment Agency assessment that it would be unlikely to raise water levels in other parts of the estuary.
Lagoon Hull, described as the region’s “most ambitious” scheme in years, would see the construction of a six-mile stretch of road that would act as both a ring-road around Hull as well as providing flood protection, creating a lagoon and opening up the opportunity to “reimagine Hull’s waterfront” for new development.
Following preliminary high-level modelling work by the Environment Agency (EA) as part of its Humber 2100+ strategy, the independent government body’s research has indicated that a potential “lagoon structure” would be unlikely to lead to raised water levels elsewhere in the estuary.
Project director Paul Hatley said: “The EA’s Humber 2100+ strategy looks at the overall strategy for the management of tidal flood risk on the Humber Estuary.
“We need to address rising sea levels and the EA is working to develop better and more sustainable plans for the Humber estuary and its tidal rivers. As part of this work, a team factored a ‘lagoon structure’ in the estuary into its broadscale modelling of the whole estuary to better understand the range of interventions that may be possible.
“The potential of a ‘lagoon structure’ has now been assessed by three independent bodies - the EA, University of Hull, and specialist ABPmer. Having three completely independent and aligning studies now presenting a growing evidence base for our proposal gives us great confidence that the science on this is robust and that we should continue to drive the project forward.”
He added: “Vitally, Lagoon Hull delivers not just on flood defence, but also on transport, place-making and economic growth. It will support our region through both the drive to net carbon zero and the levelling up agenda.
“The independent results we’ve received give us the confidence that Lagoon Hull is a viable scheme and its flood protection benefits have huge potential.”
Tim Rix, managing director of Rix Group, and who came up with the concept, said: “The science speaks for itself and the future of Lagoon Hull now looks even more promising.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has shown their support for Lagoon Hull so far. People power will truly get this project off the ground. We need as many supporters as possible, so please visit Lagoon Hull’s website and sign our ‘people power pledge’.”
Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy said: “The three independent assessments from the Environment Agency, Hull University and ABPmer provide growing evidence of the potential rewards to flood and transport relief that Lagoon Hull could deliver for our city.
“Lagoon Hull will not only protect our city for the next 100 years from flooding, but it will provide economic growth, congestion relief, and it will help support our region in its bid to become carbon neutral, ensuring the future sustainability of our region for generations to come.
“Rest assured that I shall keep pushing the government to approve this project, because at its core Lagoon Hull provides everything that the Labour Party wants for our region; investment in the economy, opportunities for employment and rebuilding a secure future for us all.”
Hull City Council leader, Councillor Stephen Brady OBE, said: “I’m a big supporter of Lagoon Hull and am fully on board with the proposals.
“It’s a great initiative and those behind the scheme truly have the city’s best interests at heart. It would do something sensational, alleviating many problems for the region.
“The long-term advantages cannot be underestimated and it has huge potential. It’s an exciting time for Hull and the Humber. There are exciting things to come for our region and the future is really bright.”