Derby demolishes buildings for flood defenses. The OCOR project, funded by £35 million, protects from flooding after Storm Babet.
The project’s second phase received £35 million from the government’s environment department. Securing the phase two work’s future protects areas flooded in 2023 by Storm Babet.
Riverside office buildings on Stuart Street will fall to create a new green space along the river. This allows water to flow more safely during floods.
The council is buying land from businesses, as Storm Babet showed this project is vital for preventing future flooding. Organizations own the needed land for OCOR, and the council actively negotiates land purchases.
This includes Peat House, Epworth House, and Derwent Court, along with Crompton House. These buildings must all come down because they obstruct the flood defense plans.
The council purchased Peat House and Crompton House, helping Peat House workers find new places. They also agreed with the Ministry of Justice for the Probation Service to move from Derwent Court.
Negotiations continue with the Methodist Housing Association, and they are working to buy Epworth House.
OCOR partners include the Environment Agency, and the program shows cities can adapt to climate change. They see it as a positive step forward for Derby.
The chief executive discussed the OCOR project’s benefits, highlighting that it helps economic growth beyond flood control. It supports SmartParc Derby’s completion and aids Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway expansion plans. OCOR helps key partners grow and create jobs.