£90m partnership to tackle flooding and wastewater using smart technology and dry-gardens approved at Cabinet

January 21, 2026

Residents will benefit from greener streets, fewer sewer overflows, and more resilient neighbourhoods.

The Council is working with Anglian Water on a 10-year programme to reduce flooding, improve wastewater systems, and create more attractive, biodiverse public spaces. The programme builds on Catchment to Coast, an earlier initiative focused on sustainable water management.

One key project is the Marine Parade Green Oasis. This Levelling Up-funded scheme includes £500,000 from Anglian Water and £800,000 from the Environment Agency. It is currently in the design phase.

The programme also introduces innovative measures, including:

Dry rain gardens designed by Beth Chatto’s award-winning team to manage surface water naturally.

Smart water butts that store rainwater and release it later to reduce flooding at key times.

Rain gardens, detention basins, and other green infrastructure across the city to improve streets and increase biodiversity.

The Advanced Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is a long-term, 10-year initiative aiming to:

Eliminate Combined Sewer Outfall (CSO) spills

Reduce surface water flooding

Enhance public spaces and increase biodiversity

The Council and Anglian Water are working together because partnership and innovation deliver real benefits for residents. Even in the design phase, projects like the Marine Parade Green Oasis show how collaboration can transform public spaces for everyone.

Cllr Lydia Hyde, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Waste, said: “I am pleased this important programme has been approved by Cabinet, this partnership will help reduce sewer spills, cut flooding, and make our streets greener and cleaner for residents.”

This programme is expected to deliver visible improvements for residents across Southend-on-Sea. Residents will see greener streets, rain gardens on grass verges, and other measures that reduce flooding and enhance biodiversity.