Background
Project Centre were commissioned to design and implement sustainable drainage systems that would reduce flooding in the town centre. The area had previously experienced heavy flooding with one incident resulting in a Flood Investigation Report. The end result was a series of 15 rain gardens across the town centre that won the Landscape Institute Awards accolade for Excellence in Flood and Water Management. The scheme also won the Civil Engineers London Civil Engineering Peoples’ Choice Award.
The scheme was part of the wider Eastcote Town Centre Improvements for the London Borough of Hillingdon which helped to enhance public space, footfall, and provide flood protection.
Process
We designed and developed an improvement plan that would work for the community and the environment in the area. Our multidisciplinary team supported the borough with:
- Research and design phases – Carrying out investigations, detailed designs and a sensitivity analysis on a number of parameters including, surcharged outfalls, climate change, sediment depth and critical duration.
- Designing a sustainable system – With enhanced factors for water collection and storage efficiency.
- Reducing flood risks – We designed a below-ground gravel layer with capacity to hold back up to fifty cubic meters of water.
- Improving water quality – Filtering water though layers of soli, gravel and geotextile, helping to remove chemicals and sediments.
- Increasing biodiversity around the area – Including nectar-rich flora for bees and other pollinators.
- Engaging and keeping the community updated – We reached 70% of consultation responses backed the scheme. We also organised session to educate our stakeholders and residents on existing issues and mitigation measures.
- Revitalising the town centre – For businesses, residents and visitors. We dilatated brick planters and replaced this with a sustainable planting strategy and urban design.
Impact
Previously, the Eastcote area would flood with 18mm of rain landing in one hour. Now, the site can accommodate up to 30mm of rainfall, increasing local flood resilience. Instead of businesses flooding each year, this may now occur once in a decade. The rain gardens and tree pits has created a network of large scale green space, making it a more attractive place to visit and enjoy.
The scheme helped to revitalise the area and improve Eastcote for both people and wildlife. The council has even organised school trips during storms and the rain gardens have done a superb job ‘performing’ in front of pupils, capturing polluted runoff from the road.
