Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme
Hebden Bridge, Calderdale, UK · Five-year programme of works, currently due to begin in early 2027 (approved February 2026) · £81 million (2026 prices); another source states £67.6 million.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe scheme received final approval in February 2026 after extensive planning. - The project aims to reduce the impact of flooding and build resilience against future events in Calderdale. - The scheme highlights the significant investment required for flood protection in areas prone to frequent flooding.
Key engineering challenges
Protecting a popular tourist destination with complex heritage and environmental considerations. - Implementing a scheme across seven defined areas within and around the town centre. - Designing and constructing a combination of hard engineering solutions (walls, gates) to reduce flood risk significantly.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Environment Agency; Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build | upgrade
- Scale
- Reduces flood risk from a 20% risk to a 2% risk in any given year; covers 10.73ha across seven defined areas; includes raising and strengthening river walls, construction of new walls, and vertical rising flood gates.
- Disciplines
- civil; hydraulic; environmental
- Standards & frameworks
- Adherence to UK flood defence standards; aims for a 1-in-50 year (2%) level of protection.
Sources: "Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme approved", Hebden Royd Town Council, 2026, https://hebdenroydtowncouncil.gov.uk/hebden-bridge-flood-alleviation-scheme-approved/ - "£81M Hebden Bridge flood scheme approved", New Civil Engineer, 2026, https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/81m-hebden-bridge-flood-scheme-approved-19-02-2026/ - "Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme", Eye on Calderdale, https://eyeoncalderdale.com/hebden-bridge-flood-alleviation-scheme/ - "Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme", D3 Tenders, https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-054fa0