Plymouth is set to benefit from a massive national investment in flood resilience, including a crucial £200,000 boost for the Arnold’s Point project and over £300,000 for repairs to Sutton Harbour lock gate and swing bridge in our city.
The National Picture
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£830m in funding for flood schemes for 2026/27 to improve protection for tens of thousands of homes and businesses – part of a record investment of at least £10.5 billion between 2024–2036.
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More than 600 schemes to receive funding across England, providing better security for families and local economies.
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£260 million allocated for managing and repairing assets damaged during the recent Storms Goretti and Chandra.
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£300 million for natural flood management over the next decade-the highest investment of its kind in UK history.
Delivering for Plymouth: Arnold’s Point Stage 2 and Sutton Harbour
As part of this announcement, £200,000 has been secured for Arnold’s Point Stage 2. This vital project focuses on the construction of a new flood wall, a critical piece of infrastructure designed to provide long-term protection for our local community.
By strengthening our coastal and tidal defences at Arnold’s Point, this investment will help safeguard homes and businesses along Embankment Road and beyond from rising sea levels and the increasingly frequent extreme weather events we see in the South West. It also means that the critical road to access our city centre and waterfront is protected.
Another vital project is Sutton Harbour, the lock gate and the Lock Gate and Swing Bridge Replacement. Too often the lock gate has failed which meant that pedestrians have been unable to access both sides of the swing bridge, and more importantly fishers have been unable to land their catch. These much needed repairs will protect the lock and swing bridge for years to come.
Protecting Our Community
Tens of thousands of homes and businesses across England, including right here in Plymouth, will benefit from strengthened protection against flooding thanks to this £830 million investment in new and upgraded defences announced by the Environment Agency today.
The programme includes major flood barriers, strengthened embankments, and natural flood management schemes that slow water flow upstream-all helping shield communities from the increasingly severe weather experienced in recent winters.
Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:
“Flooding has caused real worry and disruption for families and businesses in Plymouth, and strengthening our local defences is absolutely essential.
“I am particularly pleased to see £200,000 going towards the Arnold’s Point Stage 2 flood wall. This isn’t just about concrete and engineering; it’s about the peace of mind for residents and the security of our local economy.
“This investment from the Labour Government marks a decisive break from years of decline that left too many communities exposed. I will continue working closely with the Environment Agency and local partners to ensure Plymouth gets the resilient flood protection it needs for the future.”
A Record Investment in Resilience
The funding is part of a £1.4 billion investment in flood defences for 2026/27, sitting within the largest flood resilience programme in England’s history. Between 2024 and 2036, at least £10.5 billion will be invested to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
“This £1.4 billion investment will help protect tens of thousands of homes and businesses across the country and strengthen the defences families rely on when the worst happens. We’ve already stepped in to stabilise our flood assets after years of decline, creating thousands of jobs and protecting communities from billions of pounds of damage.”