Viability assessments
After extensive viability assessments, hydraulic modelling and support with funding applications. Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd was awarded the construction contract, following completion of the design by consultants Pell Frischmann and their design partners.
Work on the £4.45m barrier and associated works in this phase, began on August 2021 and was completed by August 2022. Construction included 450 tonnes of low carbon, cement free concrete, which resulted in a saving of 44 tonnes of embedded carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to traditional cement concrete and supports the council’s commitment to carbon reduction.
Photo: Pouring cement free concrete
A challenging project
Darren Blank, Project Manager at Jackson Civil Engineering, said: “The project has been highly challenging whilst proving rewarding in all aspects of Civil Engineering and teamwork. We are immensely proud of the final product and the innovations and sustainable solutions we found along the way. We look forward to continuing to deliver flood resilience projects in Rotherham in the future, thereby protecting the residents and businesses as we move into a changing climatic period.”
Photo: Darren Blank operating the barrier controls
A new feature to Forge Island
As well as its role in the town’s flood defences, the barrier has added a new focal point to the historic Rotherham canal, lock and towpath, adding a striking aesthetic to the Forge Island leisure development.
The leisure development on Forge Island is the flagship scheme for Rotherham town centre’s regeneration projects, which will be set within an attractive public square and a new pedestrian bridge connecting the scheme to the rest of the town centre.
Photo: The new, striking looking canal barrier
Reassurance and protection
The council’s Cabinet member for Transport and Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “The new canal barrier at the Rotherham Lock is a fantastic focal point of the flood alleviation works and showcases all of the hard work done by our Flood Risk Team and partners during the project. The canal barrier has already become an iconic part of the Rotherham town centre skyline, and will provide reassurance and protection for countless residents who live and work alongside the River Don.”
Photo: Cllr Chris Read cuts the ribbon at the official opening.
Rewarding work
Mark Duquemin, Head of Environmental Management & Sustainability for Pell Frischmann, said: “We are very pleased to see the canal barrier come to life, ready to protect the people and communities of Rotherham from flooding. It’s been rewarding working on the design and supporting the construction of this iconic structure with our design partners KGAL, providing mechanical & electrical services for the flood gate, and Ecus, providing landscape architecture services.”
Photo: The barrier arch is craned into position
Wide collaboration
The project was undertaken in consultation with The Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency who liaised closely with the council during the concept and design of this project.
Funding for the construction was provided by the Levelling Up Fund, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, European Regional Development Fund, Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy, and Network Rail.
Photo: Guests at the opening event inspect the barrier
