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Bringing a sense of theatre to Devon flood defences


Paul Hargreaves from Jacobs describes how the firm innovated a flood defence project in Sidmouth to create a dual-use amphitheatre for residents, as an amenity which enhanced the environment while helping protect them from future floods


T


he Sidmouth flood alleviation scheme involved the installation of a new drainage system to divert surface water away from properties. The water is guided via a swale to


a flood storage area, which doubles up as an amphitheatre. The design enhances the local landscape and biodiversity – functioning as an outdoor performance venue and recreation space that can be enjoyed by the community, while ensuring it will remain flood-free in most rainfall events.


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For many years Sidmouth, a town on the south west coast of England, has suffered regular stormwater flooding, with overland flowpaths draining to a low point directly in the town centre, putting up to around 150 residential properties and businesses at risk. If a major storm were to take place in the town, many local residential and commercial properties would be at risk of flooding. Devon County Council brought Jacobs in to develop a flood management scheme that would overcome this and navigate


ADF SEPTEMBER 2023


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