Severn Trent’s £76m Mansfield makeover has reached a major milestone with the completion of the first town centre rain garden.
The company is installing sustainable drainage systems across the town to help protect against flooding, while bringing big community benefits.
Over the next three years communities should become more resilient against the increasing threat of flooding as Severn Trent has collaborated with Mansfield District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to develop a greener, cleaner vision for the town.
The completion of the first town centre rain garden is the first of thousands of sustainable drainage systems set to be installed across the town to reduce the risk of flooding for up to 90,000 local people. Not only will they look smart and be good for the environment, they’ll also help to stop our sewers becoming overwhelmed during heavy rain and reduce the need for overflows to be used.
Severn Trent’s first raingarden was completed by working partners Galliford Try, who will be continue to work with Severn Trent as the project moves to Ravensdale.
Adam Boucher from Severn Trent said: “This really is a key moment of the project, as our first rain garden in the town is now complete, and it’s been a truly collaborative effort. With the support of the local councils and our contractors, we’re really excited that those living in Mansfield will soon benefit from the rain gardens and makes us excited about what we can achieve over the next couple of years.
“When all the plants are in full bloom, this area of the town will look greener and be a place for people to enjoy visiting. While the rain garden has a very real purpose of reducing flooding and protecting businesses from flooding, it will improve how the area looks and boost the biodiversity in the area and make Mansfield a nicer place for people to spend time.”
Councillor Andy Burgin, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure, said: “These gardens bring endless benefits to our communities, alleviate the growing risk of flooding, and make Mansfield cleaner and greener.
“This location is perfect, right in the heart of town, and will bring a sense of calm and enjoyment to the Market Place. The Memorial Garden is also just a stone’s throw away, giving residents and visitors another relaxing and green environment to enjoy and reflect.
“The innovative Severn Trent programme fits perfectly with our ambitious plans to ‘green up’ Mansfield. We’re pleased that our urban greening project works are underway. Most recently, the Pocket Park near Walkden Street car park is now fully open for use, and planting 3,200 trees in our award-winning parks is under way too.
“I am confident as the roll-out of these rain gardens continues that it will help to make Mansfield more attractive and encourage people to spend more time in the town centre for the benefit of the local economy, our residents and visitors.”
