GRAHAM has been appointed by the Environment Agency to deliver the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, regarded as one of the most significant flood defence projects in England.

Running along the River Thames through Oxford, the scheme aims to protect all properties in the city currently at risk of river flooding. Over its lifetime, it is expected to save more than £1.8bn by reducing damage and disruption.

GRAHAM will build a 5km-long new stream and wetland wildlife corridor to the west of the city centre, stretching from just north of Botley Road down to Kennington, where it will rejoin the Thames. Works include lowering areas of the floodplain to form the new channel and constructing flood walls and embankments. When river levels are high, water will spill from the new stream and fill the lowered floodplain beside it, providing additional capacity.

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These measures are designed to lessen the frequency of floods by creating more space for water within Oxford's western floodplain. The programme will also help protect the railway, local roads and key utilities, including broadband infrastructure.

Environmental gains include more than 20 hectares of new wetland habitat linking existing wildlife sites and approximately 16 hectares of floodplain meadow.

Alastair Lewis, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: "This is an extremely important project, given Oxford has lived with the threat of serious flooding for generations. The vital piece of infrastructure will tackle the flood risk directly in a way that works with the landscape rather than against it.

"Our experienced team is well-versed on handling the complexities that come with this kind of work, and are very excited to be working for the Environment Agency on such a prestigious project. We look forward to delivering something that will make a real positive and lasting impact to the city."

Robbie Williams, Environment Agency Project Director, said: "The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will provide the communities of Oxford with peace of mind from the threat of flooding, for decades to come and will leave a lasting green legacy.

"We are really looking forward to working with GRAHAM, following a rigorous tender process."

The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme was procured through Government Commercial Agency, supporting the project from procurement to construction.