The Whitesands Project is a key initiative to safeguard Dumfries from the River Nith flooding while revitalising the riverside area. The town has suffered regular flooding, which has damaged property, deterred investment and is expected to worsen under climate change. 

A Full Business Case has been developed in line with HM Treasury Green Book guidance. It sets out the strategic, economic, management, commercial and financial cases for the project.

Following the completion of the Full Business Case and project design – to be discussed by elected members at Full Council on 11 December – the total project cost is £68.6 million, an increase from the estimated cost of £37.5m in 2023. 

Under the funding structure for this flood protection and public realm improvements project:

• The council’s investment of £13.7m (20%) would unlock £54.9m (80%) in match-funding from the Scottish Government.
• To date, £5m has already been allocated by the council. Approval of the additional £8.7m by councillors at the meeting of Full Council on 11 December would bring the council’s total contribution to £13.7m.

The project is now fully designed and although the cost has increased due to the development of the project design and inflation, there is now financial clarity around the project, which would revitalise the Greensands, Whitesands and Dock Park areas of Dumfries. 

Councillor Katie Hagmann, convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “I welcome the opportunity for councillors to receive this important update and to have the opportunity to agree the next steps for the Whitesands Project, which has been developed following engagement with local partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders. I want to thank everyone who has offered their input. 

“The report and Full Business Case outlines measures for flood protection and enhancements to the riverside area in Dumfries. 

“The decision that will be made at our meeting on 11 December is crucial. It will determine whether the project proceeds to the next stage, subject to funding and necessary consents and it will provide certainty to the community.”

If councillors do not approve the funding for the project on 11 December, the council will be unable to access Scottish Government funding, and the project will not proceed. A decision is required at this meeting because the Scottish Government funding conditions stipulate that the construction contract must be awarded by 31 March 2026.

If the costs are approved on 11 December, construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, subject to Scottish Government approval and all necessary consents.

The project aims to deliver a permanent 1-in-75-year flood protection standard – a flood that has a 1.3% chance of happening in any given year – for Dumfries, safeguarding homes, businesses and key infrastructure.

Benefits worth over £74 million are expected to be delivered if the project funding gets the go ahead, including reduced flood risk, improved health and wellbeing, enhanced recreation and active travel opportunities – and a boost to the local economy. 

Alongside vital flood defences, the project would create a revitalised riverside corridor, enhancing the Greensands and Whitesands areas of Dumfries – as well as Dock Park – with new walkways, landscaping and public spaces.

The project would be delivered in phases to manage disruption – with completion expected in 2029.

The project aligns with the council’s ambitions for climate adaptation, regeneration and community wellbeing and supports the vision set out in the Local Place Plan for Dumfries Town Centre.

The council will also consider the ongoing operational and maintenance costs of the proposed project – estimated at £76,500 per year – and the need for continued engagement with partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders as the project progresses.