Flooding in Leeds: Martin Farrington on the moveable weir

How did Leeds tackle a flood risk and create public space at the same time? Martin Farrington, Director of City Development at Leeds City Council tells the audience about the creation of the city’s moveable weir, which was recently tested for the first time during Storm Ciara, when more than a month’s rain fell in 24 hours.

The moveable weir caused river levels to drop 80cm and 40cm respectively when it successfully operated for the first time, and was described by one witness like “someone had pulled the plug out of a bath”.

In the wake of the storms, Leeds is calling on government to make up a £23m funding shortfall in the city’s Flood Alleviation Scheme to up its level of protection.

This podcast was recorded live at The Developer’s Risk & Resilience conference in November 2019.

This year’s Festival of Place is happening on 7 July 2020 – go to www.festivalofplace.co.uk for updates on tickets and speakers.

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