BAM has begun work on strengthening and raising a sea wall on the Essex coast, as part of a £10m flood defence project for the Environment Agency.

Work on the project began last month at Cockett Wick, where more than 150 steel piles will be installed, along with the construction of a new concrete wall and footpath to protect homes in nearby Seawick and Jaywick from flooding. More than 14,000 tonnes of rock armour will also be placed on the sea side of the defence, to protect the strengthened wall from wave damage.

The project has been awarded under the Environment Agency’s Collaborative Delivery Framework. As the Environment Agency’s contractor delivery partner in the region, the framework sees BAM deliver extensive flood defence works across Eastern England.

The scheme will help to protect more than 3,000 properties and businesses, helping to ensure this part of the Essex coast remains protected despite climate change and sea level rise.

The defences are designed to be raised again in 50 years’ time to ensure another 50 years of protection, all while maintaining views of the sea.

BAM delivery lead, Jasper Barnham, said: “We are proud to be delivering this vital flood defence scheme, in partnership with the Environment Agency. The project will enhance the resilience of coastal communities in Essex, protecting them against the threat of flooding.

“As a responsible contractor, we will focus on working sustainably, seeking out innovative solutions, and adding social value around us, to further benefit the local communities around Cockett Wick.”

Environment Agency Essex coastal engineer, John Lindsay, said: “We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the UK and around the world. This is why urgent action is needed to adapt to the effect of the climate emergency. The work at Cockett Wick will help to continue to protect the local communities for decades to come.”

The government’s investment in flood defence schemes has doubled to £5.2bn between 2021 and 2027, creating around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties across England.