NAC requires the construction of an offshore breakwater and onshore flood walls of the Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme.
The national Flood Risk Management Strategy identified a Flood Prevention Scheme for Millport Coastal as having a national priority rating of 10 of the 42 schemes.
The requirement for a coastal flood protection scheme for Millport is included within the Local Flood Risk Management Plan (Ayrshire Local Plan District 2022-2028).
The project was procured as an open tender to maximise competition and value for money.
The contract commenced on 3rd January 2023, and construction works are to be completed by 30th May 2024 with a contractual completion date of 10th July 2024. There will be a 12-month defects liability period making the final contract end 10th July 2025.
The value of the contract is in the region of £36 million with 80% of eligible costs qualifying for Scottish Government grant funding. The remaining 20% of eligible costs and any other associated costs shall be met by NAC’s budget.
NAC declared a climate emergency on 11th June 2019, committing to take action on climate change and has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. In order to achieve this, NAC developed the Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy 2021-23 as a route map to achieve this target.
This project contributes to this target as the construction of this scheme will enhance flood security in a high risk coastal location to protect residents’ homes and businesses.
Millport is located on Great Cumbrae Island and faces mainly to the south and onto Millport Bay. The main source of flooding in Millport is coastal flooding, however there is also a risk from river flooding. There are approximately 638 homes and businesses at risk from coastal flooding and 124 from river flooding. This is estimated to increase to 657 homes and businesses for coastal flooding by the 2080s due to climate change.
The project will generate regeneration opportunities and enhancement of tourism opportunities in Millport, as well as creating the opportunity for future marina development.
