Living With Water completes Rosmead Street transformation

On time and safely delivered, the first Living with Water scheme has reached its conclusion and has reopened.

Over the past six months the Living With Water team along with Morrisons Water services have been working hard to fit Hull’s first permeable paved street to protect homes in the Southcoates area against surface water flooding.

This scheme is part of a £23 million investment in the region deliver sustainable drainage schemes that will benefit residents against surface water flooding.

The permeable paving is made of non-porous blocks with spaces between them to allow water to flow through. Surface water is collected underneath and the water’s flow into the sewers is then controlled to reduce the likelihood of flooding.

Thanks to the help of St Johns Community Church, Living With Water was able to conduct local consultations with residents to understand how they wanted their street to look. Maintaining car parking while improving green spaces was the key feedback from residents and this was incorporated into the design of the new road surface.

Mark Jones, director of regeneration Hull City Council and chair of Living with Water said: “Rosmead street is not only a fabulous piece of engineering, but it combines all partners working together with communities to bring surface water flood resilience into Hull. From modelling to engagement, the team has worked hard to finalise the street on time, safely and with the community. It truly is an exemplar in partnership working and we look forward to showcasing this nationally.”

Ross Housley, Contract Director, Morrisons Water Services said: “It has been a pleasure for Morrison Water Services to collaborate with the stakeholders of Rosmead Street and the Living with Water team. We have all delivered an amazing project with a lasting positive legacy that all should be proud of.”

Local children from Estcourt primary school helped lay the final blocks and residents be helping the team install bird boxes in the green space to encourage more nature into the street too.

Living With Water is a partnership made up of Yorkshire Water, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council, the University of Hull, and the Environment Agency focussing on flood risk in the East Riding and Hull.