A striking addition to the landscape, the Rotherham canal barrier has opened up development for the town’s regeneration.
Our impact
450t
Low-carbon concrete used in build
44t
Embedded CO2 saved
50t
Steel reinforcement used
Symbol of regeneration
Flooding from rivers and surface water is a perennial problem for low lying Rotherham. Exceptional flooding in 2007 meant an answer had to be found to avoid the cost and disruption of a repeat event. The result was the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to reduce the risk of flooding to the town centre, its homes and businesses, and Rotherham Central railway station.
Although a response to devastating floods, the scheme also timed in with plans for wider redevelopment of the town centre – the infrastructure would therefore underwrite the regeneration investment.
Balancing act: Vehicle movements are restricted to protect wildlife including over-wintering as well as nesting birds.
Climate control
Around 50 tonnes of steel reinforcements and 1,000 tonnes of concrete were needed to create the platform for the barrier installation.
Jackson’s team has long been working with suppliers of low-carbon concrete and specified 450 tonnes of cement-free concrete for the scheme. The use of the low carbon alternative saved 44 tonnes of embedded CO2 compared to traditional cement concrete.
Flagship scheme
The barrier stand as a landmark for the Forge Island leisure development – the flagship scheme for Rotherham town centre’s regeneration. Laid out around a public square, the island is reached by a new pedestrian bridge connecting the scheme to the town centre.
The £4.45m bill for the barrier project compares favourably with the 2007 flood disaster, which led to the council incurring £15m in additional costs.
