A major £42 million flood defence project designed to protect thousands of properties in West Kent has officially opened, following a significant expansion of the River Medway’s storage capacity.
The scheme, which was formally inaugurated on 30 September 2026, provides enhanced protection for 1,870 homes and 575 businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.
Increased capacity and new infrastructure
The project centered on the expansion of the Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA) and the construction of new defences in Hildenborough. The storage capacity at Leigh has been increased by approximately 23 per cent, allowing the site to hold approximately 7.4 million cubic metres of floodwater.
To achieve this, the maximum water level at the control structure was raised by 55 centimetres, reaching a new peak of 28.6 metres above ordnance datum. The works also involved the replacement of gates at the Leigh control structure.
In Hildenborough, the scheme included the installation of a new flood embankment and a pumping station.
Legacy of the Medway defences
The original Leigh Flood Storage Area was completed in 1982.
The project was delivered through a partnership between Kent County Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, and the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership. Funding was secured through a combination of government grants and local authority contributions.
Information for residents
The new scheme reduces the flood risk for 1,870 homes and 575 businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.