Published on 4 December 2025, the Environment Agency confirmed the third year of work at Stallingborough is complete. The scheme currently reduces flood risk for 2,300 properties and, once finished in 2026, will cover 2,400-delivered within an approximately £33 million programme.

Engineers installed three kilometres of granite rock armour along the sea wall in 2024 to absorb wave energy and cut overtopping. Four outfalls that drain the hinterland into the Humber have been refurbished and access improved for future inspections. The final year will add a new overflow at Oldfleet Drain linked to Middle Drain pumping station, while an early start in 2023 saved about £5 million.

The project is designed to keep people safe and keep the local economy moving. Stronger protection for rail stations and highways, new development-ready land and a power station already under construction are expected to deliver around £1.1 billion in economic benefits over 25 years.

Environmental safeguards are built into the schedule and design. Work near the estuary pauses from October to March to avoid disturbing overwintering birds, and a new bee bank is already attracting the protected sea aster mining bee. The Humber regularly supports up to 140,000 waterbirds in winter and migration, which explains the careful timing.

This is adaptation paced to the science. The Met Office’s UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) show sea levels rising around the UK through this century alongside more frequent extreme coastal water levels-evidence that defences must be upgraded in cycles rather than built once and left.

Regionally, the scheme sits within Humber 2100+, a partnership of 11 local authorities, the Environment Agency and Natural England developing a long‑term tidal flood strategy. The 2013 surge flooded around 1,100 properties around the estuary-proof that sustained, joined‑up action is essential for communities and industry.

There’s a community dividend here too: reduced disruption to roads and rail, better drainage for nearby land, and a scheme built to be maintainable. Features such as refurbished outfalls and improved access mean inspections can happen when they’re needed, helping keep the defences in good working order for years to come.

What to watch next: the Oldfleet–Middle Drain link and further outfall resilience due in 2026, and how lessons from Stallingborough-timed construction windows for wildlife, early procurement to avoid price spikes, and nature‑friendly add‑ons such as pollinator banks-inform the wider Humber 2100+ options. Climate‑ready defences can protect homes, jobs and habitats at the same time.