Redbridge Council is expanding its use of the innovative flood defence technology, Hydrorock, to reduce flood risks in the borough and help build more resilient communities.

The advanced underground system was installed in High Road, Seven Kings; Claybury Broadway, Clayhall; and Tomswood Hill, in Barkingside after all three sites were identified as potential flood risks due to previous episodes of flooding.

Recently completed, these three projects are part of the Council’s £11 million, 10-year investment plan to strengthen flood defences, protect at-risk communities and build a more flood-resilient borough.

Hydrorock works like a giant underground sponge. Installed beneath the road, it quickly absorbs rainwater during heavy downpours, storing it temporarily before releasing it slowly into the sewer network. This prevents the sewer system from becoming overwhelmed from sudden surges of water from heavy rainfall – one of the main causes of road flooding.

In addition to the underground flood defence works, sections of the road were also re-surfaced with permeable paving to further help absorb rainwater off the road and into the underground Hydrorock blocks.

With flash floods and intense storms occurring more frequently because of climate change, the borough has ramped up investment in flood defence schemes to help protect local homes and businesses against flooding.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Jo Blackman, said: 

“Hydrorock is just one of the ways we’re helping protect homes, businesses and communities from flooding. As extreme weather becomes more common, we’re investing in innovative and practical solutions that strengthen our flood defences, reduce local flood risk and help build a more resilient Redbridge for the future.”

(Picture: London Borough of Redbridge)