The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will protect all properties vulnerable to flood risk along the River Thames, creating savings of more than £1.8 billion by reducing flood damage and disruption 
GRAHAM will deliver the 5km-long Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme to the west of Oxford city centre, creating a new stream and wetland wildlife corridor between Botley Road and Kennington.
The scheme is designed to reduce flood risk to local roads, the railway and key utilities, including broadband infrastructure, by creating additional capacity for floodwater within the existing floodplain.
How the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will work
The project will:
- Create a new 5km channel running from just north of Botley Road to Kennington, where it will rejoin the River Thames
- Lower sections of the existing floodplain to create additional capacity for floodwater
Construct new flood embankments and walls, culverts, bridges and flood gates - Divert excess water from the nearby Seacourt, Bulstake and Hinksey Streams during periods of high flow
- Create additional space for water within the existing western floodplain, reducing water levels in the main river and the frequency of flooding in built-up areas
When water levels in the River Thames and surrounding streams rise, excess water will flow through the new channel and into the lowered floodplain.
Creating new wetland habitat
Alongside its flood protection benefits, the scheme will create new habitat and strengthen ecological connections across the floodplain.
The project will deliver:
- More than 20 hectares of new wetland habitat
- Approximately 16 hectares of floodplain meadow
- New wildlife corridors linking existing habitat and wildlife sites
- Improved connectivity for wildlife across the River Thames floodplain
The works will also include removing the Towles Mill weir, which will improve fish passage through Oxford’s waterways.
Construction timeline and project partners
Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and take up to five years to complete.
The scheme is being delivered with support from a partnership including the Environment Agency, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, University of Oxford, Thames Water and National Highways.
Alastair Lewis, contracts director at GRAHAM, said: “This is an extremely important project, given Oxford has lived with the threat of serious flooding for generations. The vital piece of infrastructure will tackle the flood risk directly in a way that works with the landscape rather than against it.
“Our experienced team is well-versed on handling the complexities that come with this kind of work, and are very excited to be working for the Environment Agency on such a prestigious project. We look forward to delivering something that will make a real positive and lasting impact to the city.”
Robbie Williams, Environment Agency project director, said: “The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will provide the communities of Oxford with peace of mind from the threat of flooding, for decades to come and will leave a lasting green legacy. We are really looking forward to working with GRAHAM, following a rigorous tender process.”
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