Hillingdon Council’s Eastcote Rain Gardens project has won another national award for its improvement works carried out to reduce the risk of flooding in the local area.
On Thursday 26 November the project was announced winner for Excellence in Flood and Water Management at the 2020 Landscape Institute Awards. This accolade is in addition to the initiative receiving the Civil Engineers London Civil Engineering Peoples’ Choice Award in October.
The rain gardens were installed in the summer of 2019 along Field End Road using carefully chosen plants and scrubs that help the natural flow of rainwater and prevent localised flooding.
Prior to the installation, surface water would often flood the carriageway and flow into local shops. Thanks to the installation of 15 rain gardens, it now means that rainfall is captured below the ground and the carriageway remains dry following a storm.
A ground layer that was installed now accommodates up to 30mm of rainwater, increasing the area’s flood resilience.
The Landscape Institute described the project as an excellent scheme. The judges said: “The reduced impact from flooding on local businesses, the better use of the public realm by residents, and the improvement in the feeling of safety all contribute to the success of the project.”
With the risk of flooding significantly improved, the works have been welcomed by local residents and businesses who now enjoy colourful new plants and shrubs, new paving, lighting, street furniture and an upgraded pedestrian crossing.
Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: “This is fantastic news! Thanks to the innovative joint work between the council, the designers Project Centre and contractors O’Hara Bros, the project has not only significantly reduced the risk of flooding, but it has also revitalised the area with new plants and public space – making it a more pleasant and vibrant place to live and work.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in this project for this well-deserved achievement.”
