KMEP Helps Deliver Landmark Flood Defence Scheme for Kent Communities

The Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) has marked the official opening of the expanded Leigh Flood Storage Area, a major £42 million flood resilience project that will help protect homes, businesses and infrastructure across the River Medway catchment for decades to come.

KMEP representatives Tudor Price and Sarah Nurden attended the opening event alongside representatives from the Environment Agency, Tom Tugendhat (MP for Tonbridge & UK Shadow Foreign Secretary), Matt Boughton of TMBC, and Jamie Henderson and David Wimble of Kent County Council. All paid tribute to the collaboration between partners that has enabled the scheme to be delivered.

The scheme increases the storage capacity of the Leigh Flood Storage Area by 23%, enabling it to hold an additional 7.4 million cubic metres of water during periods of heavy rainfall and reducing flood risk for communities downstream. The project also includes the new Hildenborough Embankment Scheme and pumping station, providing stronger protection for homes and businesses that were badly affected during the devastating floods of 2013.

A key contribution from KMEP was securing £2.35 million of funding towards the project, helping to bring forward an investment that has been more than a decade in development. The scheme demonstrates how economic and environmental priorities can work hand in hand, ensuring communities remain protected while supporting the long-term prosperity and resilience of Kent’s towns and businesses.

Speaking at the event, participants reflected on the widespread impact of the 2013 floods, which affected around 1,800 homes and 600 businesses across the area. Speakers highlighted that flood protection infrastructure is not only about safeguarding properties, but also about maintaining the economic viability of communities by protecting transport links, businesses and critical infrastructure.

During his remarks, Jamie Henderson recognised the contribution of KMEP alongside the Environment Agency, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Kent County Council and Government in helping to fund the project. He noted that the partnership funding and coordinated effort had been critical in bringing forward this significant investment in Kent’s flood resilience.

The Leigh Flood Storage Area has been a vital element of Kent’s flood defences for more than 40 years. The expanded scheme will provide greater resilience for communities across the Medway catchment and help ensure that residents, businesses and infrastructure are better protected from future flooding.

For KMEP, the project is a strong example of the partnership’s role in securing investment that not only supports economic growth but also strengthens the resilience and long-term sustainability of Kent and Medway’s communities.

The completion of Leigh Flood Storage Area also highlights the value of locally controlled growth funding. As the final project to be delivered through the former Local Growth Fund programme, it demonstrates how local partners can identify and invest in schemes that address Kent and Medway’s specific economic, environmental and community priorities. Looking ahead, securing a devolution agreement for Kent and Medway will be essential if the region is to access similar funding opportunities and continue delivering major infrastructure projects that support long-term growth and resilience.