Glass walls unveiled for flood defence works in Lowestoft

A £67m project that will protect thousands of homes and businesses in Lowestoft from flooding now features words and artwork on the glass sections of the new flood walls.

The words and artwork on the glass flood walls at South Pier in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The words - including poetry and people's reactions to the sea along with its history of flooding - and artwork have been permanently engraved onto the glass sections of the new sea walls on South Pier.

It comes as works to protect 1,500 homes and 825 businesses from flooding gathers pace as part of the £67m Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP).

The words and artwork on the glass flood walls at South Pier in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The works to construct glass floodwalls around the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club (RNSYC) and South Pier in Lowestoft have now seen the words and artwork added.

The words and artwork on the glass flood walls at South Pier in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The tidal walls are a mixture of glass-topped flood walls, concrete flood walls, demountable defences and flood gates.

A Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project spokesman said: "The glass flood walls are used to good effect in a tidal location, for example, in Wells-next-the-Sea.

The words and artwork on the glass flood walls at South Pier in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The tidal walls are due for completion in October."

The words and artwork on the glass flood walls at South Pier in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As part of the project, a 40m tidal barrier is earmarked for Lowestoft's outer harbour as part of a scheme that would see one of the largest floodgates in the UK installed.

The words and artwork on the glass flood walls at South Pier in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A consultation concluded earlier this month - with people, businesses and visitors to Lowestoft being urged to have their say on the final phase of the town’s permanent flood defences.

To gain permission to install the barrier and access land for its construction and future maintenance, East Suffolk Council will need to get permission from Defra.

A council spokesman said: "The tidal barrier is subject to a Transport Works Act Order and the planned submission for the Order application is this year."