Work has officially begun on an innovative project that marks a major step towards the Council’s ambitions to transform city centre land at Merton Meadow, creating the foundations for future homes for people of all ages, publicly accessible wetland spaces, and the wider regeneration of Hereford.
Local contractors Speller Metcalfe are now on site as the construction phase of the Merton Meadow flood alleviation scheme gets under way. This scheme takes an innovative, nature-based approach to flood management, establishing a network of connected ponds and wetlands that will reduce flood risk while creating the landscape framework for public green and blue spaces.
The £2 million scheme, funded by central government, will use natural flood management techniques to protect the area, enhance biodiversity and create opportunities for new publicly accessible wetland areas. In addition to addressing the flooding the scheme also provides drainage capacity for up to 400 new homes, subject to further planning and development decisions. The long-term ambition for Merton Meadow is to create an urban village for residents of all ages, bringing Herefordshire’s rural character into the city through green spaces, ponds and wildlife habitats and high-quality public realm. The site has the potential to deliver a mix of open-market and affordable homes, including housing for key workers such as NHS staff, teachers and the emergency services.
Lead architect Lucy Brackenbury said:
“By working with the site’s natural landscape, the scheme reduces flood risk while enhancing biodiversity and creating the basis for accessible wetland spaces. This phase lays the groundwork for future development at Merton Meadow, shaped by both the environment and the community.”
Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Cllr Graham Biggs, joined the Council’s Head of Housing Development, Stephen Holland, and Site Manager, Ben Shakespeare, at the site this week to mark this next phase of the project.
Last year, Herefordshire Council carried out a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to share ideas for the future of the site. Feedback from that consultation has helped to shape the design of the flood alleviation scheme and ultimately a masterplan for the area which the council will consult on in the summer.
The flood alleviation scheme has been designed by Buttress Architects Ltd.
The engineering works are due to be completed by early spring this will enable the landscaping to coincide with the ideal planting season. The scheme forms part of Herefordshire Council’s wider approach to regeneration, supporting sustainable growth, attracting investment and helping to meet the county’s long-term housing needs.
Cllr Biggs said:
“This is an exciting milestone for Merton Meadow. These flood alleviation works are a crucial first step in preparing the site for future development, while also creating the foundations for attractive wetland spaces that people will be able to enjoy. It’s a project that brings together flood protection, environmental benefits and the opportunity to deliver much-needed homes in a sustainable way.”
“The site has the potential to deliver a mix of affordable housing and open-market homes for sale and rent, including provision for key workers such as NHS staff, teachers and the emergency services.”
This project is about much more than flood protection. It’s about creating the conditions for a blue-green neighbourhood where people can walk, spend time outdoors and connect with nature, right in the city centre. We are still very much at the planning stage, but the work that has started on site will allows us to start turning this vision into reality.”
Lucy Brackenbury
Lucy is an enthusiastic and creative architect who specialises in projects that have a strong community emphasis.
Will Dingwall
Will is a Part II Architectural Assistant, currently working in Buttress' community team.
Will graduated from Northumbria University for both his Undergraduate and Master degree, achieving a distinction in both. During his thesis project he focused on the heritage and cultural changes of Newcastle Upon Tyne, trying to reignite some of its lost industry through sustainable intervention.