Kirkstall Regeneration
Kirkstall Regeneration
Following the Boxing Day storms in 2015, a great deal has occurred in Kirkstall to better prepare businesses and residents alike for the reality of more extreme weather conditions in the years to come.
Flood Defence Measures at Cardigan Trading Estate
At Cardigan Trading Estate, also known as Cardigan Mills, state-of-the-art flood defences have been installed to better protect the tenant units and studios. The British Standard Institute Kitemark-approved flood gates are now fitted on all 35 entrances and exits, installed by Flood Ark Limited.
The basement of Cardigan Mills will soon be fitted with OBART submersible 5500W pumps, which are capable of pumping water at 1,700 litres per minute while fully submerged.
Water ingress is also mitigated by innovative air brick designs. These allow unrestricted airflow under normal conditions but seal automatically in flood conditions to prevent water entry. The brickwork has also been treated with a water-repellent polymer to prevent absorption through the walls.
Team Kirkstall Regeneration Hub
The Team Kirkstall Regeneration Hub has been established with the assistance of the Environment Agency, Leeds City Council, and BAM Nuttall. It acts as a focal point for residents and businesses to share knowledge and contribute to the £50 million Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.
This scheme aims to:
Enhance existing flood defences
Implement measures to reduce surface water flooding
Increase resilience and emergency response systems
Community Spirit and Future Works
As part of the regeneration effort, the hub has engaged hundreds of volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours. Activities have included cleaning up after Storm Eva and undertaking 15 riverbank clean-ups with 150 volunteers on the River Aire. This sense of community is helping to make Kirkstall a great place to live and work.
Following the completion of Phase 1 in Leeds City Centre, Phase 2 has been approved to begin a £75 million project in Kirkstall. Plans include:
A 1.8 metre clad concrete reinforced wall along the River Aire at Kirkstall Trading Estate
Raising both the footbridge and utility bridge at Milford Place to reduce debris blockage and flood risk
These upgrades will provide one-in-100 year flood protection for the area.
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