River Trent Realignment / Diversion, Victoria Park, Stoke-on-Trent

As part of the ERDF SUNRISE Project (funded by the European Regional Development Fund) Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are seeking experienced river restoration contractors to tender for a works contract to divert the river Trent, including construction of a new section of river channel (approx 500m) at Victoria Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. On the site of the former Stoke City Football Stadium, Victoria Ground, the Trent currently flows in a deep, concrete channel for approx 200m, before descending two weirs and entering a more natural but still artificially straightened section of channel.

This reach has been identified by the Environment Agency as one of the least bio-diverse sections of the Trent still remaining. In association with the current land owner, St Modwen Homes, a new channel design and route has been drawn up which diverts around the channelised section, creating a more natural river habitat and avoiding the weirs.

The design is currently the subject of a planning application which is due to conclude in Dec 2019. The work will also include construction of a footpath along the new course of the river, landscaping of the newly created banks, installation of bank protection measures along the new channel and construction of protection / diverting structures as indicated in the design pack.