A unique steel cover has become the focal point of a new flood storage area that doubles as an outdoor performance space in the Devonshire town of Sidmouth, UK.

The steel cover forms an integral part of a major flood alleviation scheme being carried out by the county council. Laser-cut with an intricate leaf pattern, the product was left ungalvanised so the surface would oxidise quickly in the seawater environment of the coastal town

The cover also features a specially designed opening mechanism that allows it to be lifted by a single technician without causing damage to the surrounding stonework.

The first phase of the £1 million flood scheme was completed in October 2021, with a new drainage system diverting surface water away from properties and into the newly formed amphitheatre.

An underground storage system beneath the outdoor theatre has the capacity to contain floodwater for a one in 30-year storm event. The tiered sections above ground can store up to half-a-metre of water during a one in 100-year storm event.

The scheme has been designed to provide a stunning amenity for the community when the scheme is not required for floodwater storage. This initial phase of the scheme is set to defend over 60 properties against a 100-year flood event, and will also save the town around £10 million in avoided flood damage and recovery costs.

Dozens more premises are set to benefit from the second phase of the scheme, which will focus on drainage improvements within the town centre.

Paul Shaw, director of fabricated steel at Wrekin Products, said: “It was wonderful to work on something so different and to solve the challenges that this particular project faced."

The project was delivered for Devon County Council, designed by engineering company Jacobs, with South West Highways as the main contractor.