Better protecting Bristol and neighbouring communities from flooding along the River Avon and enhancing the riverside for people and nature.
We are working with the Environment Agency and the West of England Combined Authority on a long-term project to better protect homes and businesses from flooding along the River Avon. Once complete, the project will help better protect Bristol and neighbouring communities from increased flood risk caused by both tidal and fluvial (river) flooding up to the year 2100 and beyond.
The River Avon runs through the heart of Bristol providing a range of benefits such as diverse habitats and wildlife. It has significant historical and cultural importance and has shaped the city as we know it today. However, the river and Bristol's proximity to the sea also brings challenges, especially as climate change and rising sea levels increase flood risk.
Today, severe floods are rare, but if we do nothing, by 2100 they could happen every year. We can't stop all floods, but we can reduce the risk and improve how we respond to them.
Our ambition is to create and improve flood defences along sections of the River Avon. The scheme will benefit Bristol, from St. Anne's through to Shirehampton, and nearby communities. We will tailor the flood defences to each location, bringing benefits all year, not just during floods. Where we can, we'll design them with local communities, so they fit the local environment.
By designing defences that improve public spaces, we aim to deliver:
- new green spaces
- improved sustainable transport links
- better river access
- celebrated heritage features
- new affordable homes
- certainty for new and existing businesses to grow
This approach will help to better protect Bristol while creating a more active, prosperous and resilient city.