DFS & Wickes Stores Flood Defences

Story carried out works to install flood protection measures to protect the two stores from any future flooding after both properties experienced significant flooding in 2005 and 2015.

Sector Infrastructure
Client

London Metric Property PLC

Value

£1m

Location

Carlisle, Cumbria

Work Type

Flood Protection

The Project

The two stores in Carlisle city centre which are leased by DFS and Wickes and owned by London Metric Property PLC, are located in a flood zone which has been experienced significant flooding in 2005 and 2015. As a result of this flooding, the decision was made to install flood defence measures to protect both properties from any future occurrence of similar events.

Due to restraints around the proximity of neighbouring properties, roads and public footpaths a solution was designed which would enable both premises to be defended from future flooding, without significantly increasing the footprint of either building.

Story had previously built a strong relationship with Cluttons following the successful, collaborative completion of two other flood defence schemes in Cumbria, resulting in our team being engaged to carry out the works at the DFS and Wickes stores.

1,462
Starter Bars installed to the foundations

75,000
Bricks & blocks used to construct flood defence walls

The Scope

The Scope of the project was to design and implement the following works to both stores:

  • Completion of concrete pours to create flood walls to a height of 3 metres
  • Installation of all flood doors, dam boards and gates
  • Installation of WaStop non-return valves to the property’s drainage system
  • Installation of small pump and sump locations
  • Development of a temporary works system which utilised the brickwork as a shutter as an alternative to traditional timber shutters
  • Development of access methodology to pour the 3 metre high wall to the south elevation due to limited access

The flood walls to each elevation were constructed through a process of installing the brickwork in 1m lifts, along with 6mm steel bar reinforcement. After being left to cure, the team then mass filled the wall with concrete, repeating this step 3 times to each elevation in order to safely achieve the full 3m flood wall height.

Delivering Success

The project was able to celebrate success and demonstrated best practice within the following areas:

  • Early consultation with AL Daines regarding the brick shutter to Wickes
  • Early Contractor involvement allowed sample panels to be built, tested and demolished before the contracted works commenced, allowing time to be saved on the programme itself
  • Management of unforeseen change was proactive, resulting in additional works not affecting the original completion date

The Story Way

Our project team were able to use our established relationship with Cluttons to work in close collaboration with their team. This ensured that any challenges were resolved quickly and efficiently so that the project was successfully completed within the agreed programme.

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