As an example of blue-green infrastructure, SuDS, and innovative design engineering, the Sidmouth Amphitheatre is an illustration of what can be achieved with partnership working. The scheme has been designed to use the public open space of the Knowle, providing an amenity area for the community when the scheme is not required for floodwater storage.
An underground storage system beneath the amphitheatre has the capacity to contain floodwater from up to a one in 30-year storm event. While the tiered sections above ground can store up to half a metre of water during a one in 100-year storm event and is set to defend over 60 properties, saving people in the town around £10 million in terms of flood damage and recovery costs.
Delivered by Devon County Council, as part of a larger flood resiliance scheme for the town. It was designed by Jacobs architects after an inspirational visit to a National Trust site and with South West Highways as the main contractor. The project is crowned by a bespoke steel cover, created by Wrekin Products, forming an integral part of the flood alleviation scheme, it features a unique opening mechanism, devised especially for the project, to allow a single operative to easily and safely lift the cover and gain access to the storage tanks beneath.