It’s a scary fact that sea levels are rising. Beaches are gradually disappearing, London could become a ‘sponge city’ and some places in the UK are among the top 10 percent that are most vulnerable to climate change damage in the world. So, it’s all hands on deck. The UK’s most at risk towns are upgrading their their sea defences to prepare for the impacts of climate change. And getting a nice ’lil spruce-up in the process.
The seaside town of Paignton in Devon, best known for its red sand beach, is getting a £14million makeover to help protect it from rising sea levels and ‘create a happy, healthy and vibrant’ environment.
The coastal flood protection scheme has been described by Torbay Council as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’. Paignton seafront will get a tiered sea defence system to prevent flooding as well as new seating terraces and relocated shelters, kiosks and cafes.
Over in Preston, a suburb of Paignton, there will be new seating plus extra protection for its shelters and kiosks.
Right now, it’s estimated that more than 350 properties in the area are currently as risk of flooding. Torbay Council says that the flood defence work is necessary to protect Paignton and Preston from rising sea levels for the next 50 years.
We don’t know all of the exact details yet. Planning permission for the scheme was granted back in June, and the council is expected to find a developer to head up the project by the end of the month. Work is likely to start after the summer holidays so that there’s minimum disruption during peak season.
Transforming the UK
To preserve all the fascinating and beautiful things it has to offer, much-needed makeovers are happening all over the country, all the time. Most recently, Time Out reported on the transformation of Stoke-on-Trent station, the seven sites getting glow-ups through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the £10.4m renovations happening at Bleheim Palace.
ICYMI: This UK city has just been declared home to an official new Paddington Statue.
Plus: Folkestone is the UK’s best place to visit in 2025, according to Time Out.
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