Suffolk-based Jackson Civil Engineering has secured a £14 million contract to deliver a comprehensive flood and coastal erosion risk management scheme in Langstone, Havant, south Hampshire. This project is a significant undertaking for Havant Borough Council, aiming to protect vital infrastructure and a substantial number of properties from increasingly severe weather events.
What Happened
Jackson Civil Engineering was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process that saw four bids. The project involves constructing 1 kilometer of continuous flood defences, including earth raising, flood embankments, reinforced concrete flood walls, sheet-piled walls, flood glass, flood gates, and demountable defences. Scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026, the work is expected to conclude by December 1, 2030. This scheme will safeguard 53 residential properties and four businesses, with additional protection for six more homes that are projected to be at risk by 2040 due to climate change. The contract's total value is estimated at £16.8 million, including VAT.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
This project underscores the growing demand for infrastructure that addresses climate change impacts, specifically in flood-prone areas. For contractors and engineers, this represents a robust market for specialized construction skills and innovative engineering solutions. The project highlights the importance of integrating sustainable practices in engineering to future-proof communities. Additionally, the project offers significant insights into managing risks associated with coastal erosion and flood defences, paving the way for similar initiatives across the UK and beyond.
What's Next
As the project gears up to start in 2026, stakeholders should monitor the planning and early implementation phases for insights into effective flood management practices. Lessons learned from this project could inform future policy and engineering strategies aimed at mitigating coastal erosion and flood risks. AECM professionals need to stay abreast of evolving standards and technologies in flood defence systems, as well as potential opportunities arising from similar projects facilitated by climate change adaptation policies.
