LABOUR councillor Gerard Rice announced at a Thurrock Council meeting on Wednesday 29 March that the Flood Barrier protecting the Port of Tilbury and the 12,000 residents in Tilbury will finally commence in September 2017.
Cllr Rice is the council’s representative on the Regional Flood Defence Committee.
The Environment Agency are working with the Port of Tilbury on a £14 million project to replace the existing flood defence barrier with a new dual function lock gate at the Port of Tilbury in Essex.
The new lock gate structure would be owned, operated and maintained by the Port of Tilbury.
Report to the Full Council by the Council’s Representative on the Regional Flood Defence Committee – Cllr Gerard Rice
Tilbury Dual Function Lock Gate Project
The Environment Agency are working with the Port of Tilbury on a £14 million project to replace our existing flood defence barrier with a new dual function lock gate at the Port of Tilbury in Essex. The new lock gate structure would be owned, operated and maintained by the Port of Tilbury.
The existing Tilbury Barrier is coming to the end of its design life. Over the last few years we have maintained the barrier to prolong its life. However, it is likely to need major refurbishment in the next 5 years. A new barrier would cost in the region of £40m.
The Port of Tilbury are looking to replace their existing lock gates. We have therefore worked together with the Port to design a new gate that will also act as a flood defence. This new defence would be owned, operated and maintained by the Port.
This joint project will cost considerably less than a new barrier saving both time and resources which can then be channelled to other worthy projects.
Estimated cost of scheme: £14 million (including risk contingency)
FCRM Grant In Aid: £10 million
Port of Tilbury Contribution: £4 million
The Environment Agency are about to start the procurement process. European Union (EU) Public Procurement Directives require public bodies to issue a Call for Competition for our EU contracts in the Official Journal of the European Union when construction works are over £4.35million. Following advertisement and tender evaluation, appointment of Contractor is due to take place early Summer 2017.
A legal agreement has now been signed by both parties.
The proposed timetable indicates completion of the project in 2019/20.
