Queen Elizabeth II opens new Wolferton Pumping Station

Her Majesty the Queen has officially opened a new surface water pumping station at Wolferton, Norfolk. The station, located on the Sandringham Estate, will provide flood protection to 13,500 acres of prime agricultural land, the A149 arterial road, and parts of the communities of Snettisham and Dersingham.

Stantec was appointed by King’s Lynn Drainage Board, who operate the Pumping Station, as Project Manager and lead designer. Construction contracts were procured with Breheny Civil Engineering and Bedford Pumps.

“It’s been a privilege for the team to work on this project. Everyone involved shared the same passion for sustainability, community engagement and environmental protection so we developed a truly collaborative relationship,” said Simon Darch, Stantec Director, Cambridge. “We worked together to deliver a solution that respects the history and biodiversity of the site whilst enhancing flood risk protection to the local communities. It is a great honour to have these achievements recognised with an official opening by Her Majesty. “

The new pumping station provides a replacement and upgrade for the original station, opened by King George VI in 1948. The original ceremony 72 years ago was also attended by Queen Mary and Princess Margaret.

The Drainage Board are charged with protecting an area that is home to around 100,000 people and includes some of the most fertile arable land in Europe. The new Wolferton Pumping Station has been one of their most significant capital works projects in recent years.

The remote location of the site and the special environmental and ecological sensitivities of The Wash, an estuary on the East coast of England bordering the North Sea, presented significant challenges to both design and construction.

“Breheny were consulted on the project from the outset and we were able to introduce our specialist construction knowledge and skills to ensure the success of the project,” said John Breheny, Chairman of the Breheny Group. “Early contractor involvement allowed us to collaborate with Stantec and the client to overcome challenges and deliver this complex project within budget.’

The new pumps can evacuate up to 17.3 million litres of water per hour from the low-lying land, over the sea bank to The Wash. The Stantec-engineered pumping station includes ‘fish friendly’ pumps, an eel pass, fully automated controls and a backup generator to ensure it is always ready to provide flood protection. 

Local wildlife was a key consideration in design and construction, with activity scheduled around the spring nesting season and the winter period when birds visit the foreshore to feed. The design solution also provides enhanced habitats for fish, eels, bats and birdlife.

Phil Camamile, CEO of the Water Management Alliance commented: “We are delighted with the environmental and commercial outcomes of this prestigious project. We are grateful for the professional and collaborative support provided by the team and are pleased that they could join us to commemorate the opening.”

During the visit, Her Majesty toured the new Station, before meeting the project team and a group of long serving Drainage Board staff. The Queen also viewed the original plaque unveiled by her father, before signing the Visitor’s Book and unveiling a new commemorative plaque.

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Stantec Media Relations                                
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