Summer 2009 - Royal Haskoning

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4 range > summer 2009 special feature : protecting our coast – preserving tourism Making sure our coasts are protected against rising sea levels is an important part of ensuring our communities are protected against the impact of climate change. Managing flood risk, combating drought, preparing for storm events are things we are planning for now – to mitigate the impact of climate change predictions to 2050 which could see increased river flows, more extreme rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and rising temperatures. Adapting to a changing climate There is mounting evidence that the UK is starting to experience more extreme weather patterns which are attributable to the effects of global climate change. As well as changes in mean sea levels and rainfall patterns, which are the factors now commonly considered in flood risk management, land use planning and development control, the changes in temperature, drought and frequency of storm events can have wider implications on a range of human activities as well as natural and built environments. Royal Haskoning is involved in a number of studies relating to climate change in the UK and worldwide. In the UK, regional climate change adaptation studies that have been carried out in the north east of England, particularly Yorkshire and Humber, have projected climate changes to the 2050s. This has been achieved by using the Environment Agency Rainfall and Weather Impact Generator (EARWIG), and a thorough review of published papers and guidance. The impact of these long range climate change projections on areas such as transport, public services, industry, business, heritage, tourism and leisure, were assessed and measures to counter the impact they could have, were identified. This has led to recommendations being made for lead organisations to take preventative action. Working with seaside communities to manage and protect UK coastal areas Royal Haskoning is currently involved in the development of ten shoreline management plans which produce a long-term and integrated plan for the sustainable management and protection of the shoreline around the coasts of England and Wales. The work includes considering the potential impact of proposed coast protection policies on local communities and their economies, and the positive or negative affect these may have on tourism in these areas. The Duver coast protection scheme, showcasing the visual and amenity benefits of working with a renowned sculptor Coastal improvements at Treaddur Bay Anglesey County Council appointed Royal Haskoning to carry out the detailed design of the coastal improvement scheme on the island’s Treaddur Bay. The design includes a rock armour revetment, a length of new sea wall, improved drainage to the existing sea wall and promenade, additional dwarf wall to the rear of the promenade which has been designed to act as seating, and works to channel the remaining overtopped seawater more effectively away from properties. The main purpose of the scheme is to act as an essential coastal defence whilst protecting the amenity value of the bay and alleviating the risk of flooding to people and property. “An excellently managed and designed project, carried out in difficult circumstances” “I visited the site recently and was impressed by the work done to tidy up the site, it has been well done and in keeping with surroundings” Comments from the community With an impressive judging panel secured and substantial cash prizes to be won, 26 students entered the competition. Eight designs were shortlisted and exhibited for two weeks at the north west offices of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Judges awarded prizes for a winner, Involving local artists in protection construction Coastal protection schemes for Duver on the Isle of Wight, and Weston- Super-Mare in Somerset, have applied the skills of a renowned sculptor and artist to enhance the aesthetic design of the schemes. In both cases the artist has been closely involved in the development of the scheme layout and the selection of construction materials. The Duver scheme also enhanced a former ‘private’ *Ramsar/SPA/SSSI – a conservation wetland area and a site of specific scientific interest – and made this into a public area with bird hides, tracks and weirs. *(www.ramsar.org) Engaging the brain power of engineering students to Brighten New Brighton runner up, a highly commended entry and a prize for the most sustainable design. The winning designs were announced at the international architecture lecture delivered at the University of Liverpool. Protecting Borth and its surf appeal Royal Haskoning is currently assisting Ceredigion County Council in providing coastal protection to the town of Borth, near Aberystwyth, and assessing the viability of the local community’s request for a surfing reef, at the same time. The scheme will include a multi-purpose offshore reef that will provide protection to the shoreline and improve wave conditions for surfing activities. The beach at Borth, near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Mid Wales In April 2008 Royal Haskoning launched an innovative competition for architecture and engineering students in Liverpool which called for entrants to submit design proposals for a waterside landmark for Liverpool’s New Brighton area. First place was awarded to Michael Otchie for his design ‘Chip Shop-Tea Room Seahouse’. (left)
summer 2009 > range 5 But what affect are these preparations having on communities now? We find out how flood prevention work in coastal towns is not only protecting communities of the future – but is also benefiting people’s lives today, as careful planning and design is building sustainable coastal defences and whilst enhancing public amenities at the same time, to lessen the impact on the all important tourism industry – which is vital to the survival of UK and international seaside resorts, especially in the current economic climate. Coastal protection and regeneration in Dublin Flood prevention at Largs and Saltcoats seaside resorts During the development of two flood prevention schemes for the seaside towns of Largs and Saltcoats in North Ayrshire, detailed consultation was carried out with the local communities to identify their concerns and issues. In both cases, these consultations identified the need to carefully consider the impact of the proposed schemes on summer visitors to these popular coastal towns, both during and after construction works had taken place. Works on both flood prevention schemes were carried out during the winter months to minimise the impact on visitors. As well as reducing flooding and erosion risks, both schemes included benefits to existing amenities which included widening sections of the promenade, better access to the beach, improved lighting, features of interest and public information boards. Peterborough Millennium Green Wheel The Green Wheel was an ambitious, multi-faceted project developed by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) with funding from the Millennium Commission and the support and assistance of local and county authorities, business, voluntary and charitable organisations and individuals. Completed in 2003, the project comprised of an 80km network of cycleways and bridleways around Peterborough, with bridges over roads, railways and rivers. It also linked tourist attractions, nature reserves, picnic sites, sculpture trails, wildlife habitats and ‘pocket parks’. Royal Haskoning provided client side project management services to PECT and was instrumental in obtaining funding from the Millennium Commission, preparing grant funding applications and securing finance from the Environment Agency, Anglian Water Environmental Partnership, EB Cambs and Sustrans. Royal Haskoning also undertook contract management and planning supervision for the project as well as both structural and services design. These services were provided throughout the consultative, development, design and construction phases of the project. Tourism is also important to Scotland’s economy and depends heavily on the country’s landscape, with 90 per cent of visitors considering scenery to be important in their choice of Scotland as a holiday destination. The presence of fish farming production sites may have an influence on where tourists choose to visit, how long to stay, and whether to make a repeat visit. Together with Poseidon, an engineering company servicing the oil and gas industry, Royal Haskoning Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) commissioned Royal Haskoning, with sub consultants Murray & Associates (landscape architects), to investigate the feasibility of undertaking a major enhancement scheme to improve cultural, recreational, amenity and commercial aspects of the East Pier to Sandycove coastline in Dublin. This coastline is one of the most heavily used in Ireland, but is currently not achieving its full potential due to a number of factors which include; poor recreational infrastructure, restricted water access and reduced visual amenities in several areas. The scheme incorporates the Sutton to Sandycove promenade and cycleway facility. The project has the potential to create a significant amenity and tourist attraction within the Dublin region and extend the tourism season. international tourism – Integrated coastal zone management in Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Works and Transport, commissioned Royal Haskoning in 2008 to undertake coastal protection works along the north east coast of Trinidad. The project is taking an integrated approach to identify, design and build a range of protection structures along the rocky north-eastern coastline to protect key assets from coastal erosion and flooding – which, if left unprotected, would have a significant impact on the island’s northern coast road, community settlements and valuable tourist facilities. The project has also identified sites which have the potential for further development for tourism, and in particular, ecotourism. the impact of fish farming on tourism Aquaculture is a very important industry for rural Scotland, particularly on the west coast and the islands where many communities depend on the employment and revenue it provides. Contacts: Amy Savage +44 (0) 1733 33 6522 a.savage@royalhaskoning.com Hamish Hall +44 (1) 1392 44 1366 h.hall @royalhaskoning.com undertook research which involved interviews with tourists and tourism related businesses, at selected study locations in the western isles of Shetland, Oban and Mull. 87 per cent of tourists interviewed said they had seen fish farming before, although half had not seen fish farming at the study location. When asked to focus on the effect of specific aspects of fish farming including perception of the area, impact on scenery, natural environment, recreational activities NEWS Marketing team wins Property Marketing Award for Brighten New Brighton competition In April 2008 Royal Haskoning launched an exciting design competition for architecture and engineering students in Liverpool, calling for innovative design proposals for a waterside landmark for the city’s New Brighton area and – as a result – picked up an award itself! Royal Haskoning’s Marketing team was delighted to receive the ‘Property Marketing Award’ for Best Campaign Under £10K which was presented to Marketing & Communications Director, Trudi Downey on 21 April at London’s Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square. Senior Marketing Consultant Laura Brewis, said: “The objective of the ‘Brighten New Brighton’ design competition was to raise awareness of Royal Haskoning’s infrastructure and buildings capabilities to clients, partners and the local business community in the North West, whilst at the same time engaging with the local celebrations during Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture. The competition attracted 26 entrants and an impressive judging panel with representatives from Neptune Developments, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Open Culture and Royal Haskoning.” The judges commented: “This was a fantastic way of marketing a site in Liverpool, not Sussex. Using Facebook showed good understanding of target audience. It was a good way to get future generations to identify with the brand” and willingness to re-visit, the majority of respondents remained neutral. The overwhelming majority of respondents believed that: l fish farms contribute to livelihoods in coastal communities l fish farms do not spoil the appearance of the coast l tourists would not be less likely to visit places in Scotland where fish farms are sited l at current levels, the presence of aquaculture operations would not affect a visitor’s willingness to re-visit or affect their key recreational activities Contact: Frank Fortune +44 (0)131 5612 295 f.fortune@royalhaskoning.com
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Summer 2009 - Royal Haskoning

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