Richmond’s first flood resilient street has achieved more recognition for its pioneering approach.
Kitson Road – the first fully permeable public road in the borough – has been recognised across the highways and local government sectors, having been selected as a finalist for both the Resilience Award and Sustainability Award at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards, as well as the Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value Award at the MJ Awards.
The Community BlueScapes’ project at Kitson Road features permeable pavements and the first known UK use of HydrorockTM, an innovative product which improves infrastructure under pavements so it can store more than 100 cubic metres of water. By helping to keep surface water out of the drainage network, the scheme contributes to greater flood resilience in the local area.
Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: “We are taking an innovative approach to flood resilience in Richmond upon Thames and it’s great to see this recognised with multiple nominations.
“Kitson Road’s permeable surfacing, combined with additional water storage capacity below the surface, is an example of working alongside our communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“As we face higher tides combining with heavier rainfall, this is just one project of the many that we will need to help manage water more effectively, slow the flow, and reduce flood risk.”
The Kitson Road project, which involved in-depth public consultation, was completed in July last year.
The scheme has previously scooped the Steve Berry Highways Authority Innovation Award and was a finalist for the Environmental Sustainability Award at the Highways Awards in September.
Community BlueScapes is a DEFRA-funded flood resilience partnership between Richmond Council, Barnes Common Ltd and WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. This project is part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency.
