Preston flood scheme completes primary school SuDS projects
![]() |
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Primary School. Environment Agency. |
Children at three local primary schools have new educational and playground equipment, thanks to the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme (P&SR FRMS).
The scheme used Department for Education funding to deliver a trio of SuDS schemes, worth tens-of-thousands-of-pounds, announced through UK government publication on 132 Marcvh, 2025.
SuDS means ‘Sustainable Drainage System’. They help reduce flood risk by temporarily storing rainwater during storms and reducing the flow and reducing surface water run-off.
The beneficiaries are:
- Frenchwood Community Primary School, Preston
- St. Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School, Penwortham
- St. Leonard’s Primary School, Walton-le-Dale
- St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Primary School. Environment Agency.
![]() |
St. Leonard's Primary School. Environment Agency. |
The exciting, bright environment includes items such as living roof gazebos; potting tables; planters; trees; play equipment; and even a stage.
Headteacher at St. Leonard’s CoE Primary School, Kay Proctor, said:
"We are extremely delighted with the work that has taken place. The equipment provided is excellent, the new play area will be a huge asset to our school. It will greatly enhance the learning experiences of the children giving them an exciting, bright environment to explore and develop in, whilst at the same time helping to reduce the risk of flooding."
A number of other community benefits are being delivered by the Preston & South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme. These include planting more than 8,000 trees on the riverbank and Fishwick Bottoms and the creation of a small, insect-friendly wetland at Ribble Sidings. Last year, the re-landscaped Broadgate Gardens were reopened.
![]() |
Frenchwood Community Primary School. Environment Agency. |
Construction of the P&SR FRMS began in 2022 and, when complete, thousands of properties will be better protected from flooding between Broadgate and Walton-le-Dale. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
For more information, visit the Scheme’s page on the Flood Hub
This article was issued via press release as 'Primary school SuDS schemes finished by the Preston flood scheme' dated 13 March, 2025.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Achieving sustainable clean water infrastructure for all.
- Biodiversity net gain.
- Biodiversity net gain with related updates and terms explained.
- Blackwater.
- Blue belt.
- Blue roof.
- Blue space.
- Catchment flood management plans.
- Dewatering.
- Drainage.
- Eutrophication.
- Flood.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Flood insurance.
- Flood risk.
- Flood risk management plan.
- Floodscape.
- Future flood prevention.
- Future Water, The Government’s water strategy for England.
- Green infrastructure.
- Green roof.
- Greywater.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Highway drainage.
- Infrastructure.
- London's Blue Ribbon Network.
- Pitt Review.
- Planning for floods.
- Pumps and dewatering equipment.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- River engineering.
- Sewer construction.
- Sewerage.
- Soakaway.
- SuDS infographic.
- Surface water
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems - latest guidance.
- Sustainable water.
- Swales definition.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- The SuDS Manual.
- Understanding and celebrating Sustainable Urban Drainage and Biodiversity.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water consumption.
- Water engineering.
- Water transfers and interconnections.
- Why creating new ponds helps to protect the ecosystem.
Featured articles and news
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
NBS launches industry guide for specification writing
Available for free and as immediate download.
Peter Barber’s work revives forgotten building types.
Insights of how to attract more young people to construction
Results from CIOB survey of 16-24 year olds and parents.
Focussing on the practical implementation of electrification.
Preston flood scheme completes primary school SuDS
Three primary schools benefit from SuDS schemes.
Sustainable Urban Drainage and Biodiversity
Awards for champions of these interconnected fields now open.
Microcosm of biodiversity in balconies and containers
Minor design adaptations for considerable biodiversity benefit.
CIOB student competitive construction challenge Ireland
Inspiring a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
Challenges of the net zero transition in Scotland
Skills shortage and ageing workforce hampering Scottish transition to net zero.
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.
Attending a conservation training course, personal account
The benefits of further learning for professsionals.
Restoring Alexander Pope's grotto
The only surviving part of his villa in Twickenham.
International Women's Day 8 March, 2025
Accelerating Action for For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets
CIOB warning on Government plans to accelerate housebuilding and development.
BSRIA market intelligence division key appointment
Lisa Wiltshire to lead rapidly growing Market Intelligence division.