Flood proofing for the future: £1.5m project transforms historic city beck

A £1.5m project has transformed a historic Leeds waterway to help protect hundreds of homes and businesses from flooding.

- by Dennis Morton

Sheepscar Beck, which runs through the north of the city centre, has weakened over time as old stonework has crumbled and invasive plants have taken hold.

Heavy winter rain and drier summers have also left it more vulnerable to collapse and flooding.

The £1.5m scheme, funded by the Environment Agency and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has repaired and strengthened the beck’s infrastructure to reduce flood risks for more than 250 businesses and 50 homes in Sheepscar and Mabgate.

To preserve its historic character, reclaimed bricks were used wherever possible, with new materials added only where needed. Local traders supported the work by providing access, allowing contractors onto their land, and supplying some of the materials.