First look at finished sections of flood wall

Just a few weeks after the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme wall was described by a resident as resembling “Stalag 17”, two different types of stone-clad flood walls in the project have been unveiled.
Grey and buff sandstone finishes which will soon  be seen along the Teviot.Grey and buff sandstone finishes which will soon  be seen along the Teviot.
Grey and buff sandstone finishes which will soon be seen along the Teviot.

The design of the scheme’s new flood defences, which are predominantly flood walls, was undertaken in partnership with statutory partners, key consultees, and the people of Hawick over many years.

Careful consideration of the heritage of the town has been pivotal in achieving the final look of the walls, with the buff and grey sandstone cladding designed to fit in with the surrounding environment, with a patterned concrete wall finish located throughout more industrial areas.

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Teries will start to see the buff sandstone cladding going up at the Common Haugh over the next few weeks.

In addition to the wall finishes, around 60 glass panels will be installed throughout the town to maintain views to the River Teviot, which the council says were designed in partnership with residents, so that the glass panels are placed at key locations.

The Flood scheme team is currently preparing a new interactive map which will be accessible via the scheme’s website to provide additional information on the designs and finishes at each location, which is hoped to be available before the end of this year.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member forinfrastructure, travel and transport, said: “The unveiling of the new stone-clad sections of flood wall is a key milestone for the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme.

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“A huge amount of effort has gone into the development of this design, with the years of design and preparation now allowing main contractors McLaughlin and Harvey to commence delivery of the first of the stone clad walls.

“The people of Hawick will soon be able to see the results and the new structures that will both protect them and their properties and become part of their landscape.”

Conor Price, project director for the scheme, added: “The flood walls have been specifically designed for the areas where they will be located.

“We have endeavoured to listen to the people of Hawick and find solutions for local areas that would allow the new structures to blend into the existing heritage of Hawick.”

The project, which is expected to cost around £88m – double the initial estimate, and is expected to be completed by late 2023.