The Leeds Phase 1 Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) is one of the UK’s largest flood defence projects and the first in the country to use moveable weirs as a pioneering solution to flooding. 

First-hand experience of flooding  

With a local office located on the River Aire and having seen first-hand the effects of flood damage to the area, Arup became involved in the project to develop a new scheme that provided a more sustainable solution.

Working together with Leeds City Council, we developed an alternative proposal more in keeping with the city’s character and landscape. We focused on reducing the obstructions that were causing water levels to rise, meaning we could significantly reduce the visual impact of the flood measures on a smaller budget whilst enhancing conservation of the local environment. 

The first phase of the scheme was completed in 2017, and it is now helping to protect more than 3,500 homes and 500 commercial city centre properties as well as critical access routes to Leeds train station. 

Achieving efficiency through BIM digital modelling

From the outset, we developed a 3D digital model of the city to visualise the high flood risk and help convince stakeholders, including political decision makers, of the urgent need to improve flood mitigation. 

As the project developed, we introduced a web-accessible interactive BIM model to ensure all stakeholders - including the project team, the client, the planning authority and the design and build contractor - had access to the most up to date project information at any given time. The project team was able to navigate the complete scheme within the digital model, enabling a collaborative approach and allowing for critical issues to become more apparent and be mitigated earlier, providing greater certainty for construction costs.

 

BIM model of the weir construction
Arup developed a web-accessible BIM model for the scheme.

Protecting city residents from frequent flooding

The second element of the scheme focused on preserving the high-quality public areas along the River Aire. As the new mechanical weirs help reduce the flood water level in the city, we were able to build flood defence walls on each riverbank that are less than 1.2m high and less than 50% of the height initially proposed.

Our solutions provide robust flood protection for a 5km section of the city centre. In the most populated public areas, flood-proof glazed units were installed to maintain the views of the river.

Leeds flood alleviation scheme
Crown Point replacement weir under construction.
Moving mechanical weirs were installed that allow the water level to be better controlled.
Crown Point replacement weir – part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, which provides 100-year storm flood protection

Creating a new walkway with a dual purpose

The final part of the scheme included removing and relocating an artificial island that separated the river and canal along a 600m stretch. We removed this critical water flow bottleneck by designing a diversion of the Trans Pennine Trail - a popular route loved by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders across the region. 

The new 1km walkway on the left bank of the river included measures to encourage wildlife and plant life and improve public wayfinding. The trail needed to cross the river Aire, so a locally manufactured bridge was installed at the weir location connecting the diverted trail with the north bank of the river.

A locally manufactured bridge was installed at the weir
The Trans Pennine Trail was relocated so that it now crosses the river on a 70m span bridge installed to connect the trail and the north bank of the Aire

A first-class flood protection scheme

The implementation of this £50 million Phase 1 scheme puts Leeds at the forefront of national flood defence schemes. It has created 150 direct jobs, safeguarded 23,000 more, and supported the regeneration of the regional economy. The scheme provides a 100-year storm standard of protection up to 2069 and considers the forecast impact of climate change.

We are also supporting the environmental aspirations of Leeds City Council by facilitating a scheme to plant over 700 trees near the flood alleviation network locations.