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Flood defences

What if...?

...the flood defences were an opportunity to create new public realm for the city that is inclusive and offers beautiful spaces for people to enjoy the views?

The Challenge:

Bristol is at increasing risk of flooding as a result of climate change and rising sea levels. The Bristol Avon Flood Strategy (BAFS) requires us to provide new flood defences for long-term protection of existing homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Proposed flood defences are illustrated in orange on the plan adjacent. We want to design flood defences which are not dependent on people, power, mechanical systems or advance warning to protect the city, but which instead are designed to contribute to nature and well-being as a linear park.

For the masterplan we will need to:

  • review existing heights of the land
  • consider how we integrate new flood defences whilst protecting heritage
  • create opportunities for new public realm

If you would like more information about BAFS, see this link: https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-avon-flood-strategy-consultation

Existing view: the flooded site earlier this year

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Site plan showing proposed flood defence locations

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Example: Hornsbergs Strandpark, Sweden. A linear park that addresses the waterfront 
and is a passive defence against flooding (Image: © Holger Ellgaard)

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Example: BUGA Heilbronn, Germany. An example of creating public realm and 
landscape along the river side (Image: ©Nikolai Benner, SINAI)

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Give your view on flood defences

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Flood defences

How important is it to you that we:

Create new public realm for the city that is inclusive and offers beautiful spaces for people to enjoy the views?

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Medium importance