The £48 million Millport Coastal Flood Protection project is one of North Ayrshire’s most significant infrastructure investments, designed to protect more than 600 homes, businesses and key assets from increasing coastal flood risk linked to climate change.

Providing a one-in-200-year standard of protection across 2km of coastline, the project has reduced the risk of flooding, coastal erosion and storm damage, helping to secure the town’s long-term future.

It combines offshore and onshore interventions, including a rock armour breakwater to reduce wave energy entering Millport Bay, alongside flood walls, revetments and stepped terraces integrated into the promenade. Together, these measures defend Millport’s coastline by absorbing wave energy, limiting erosion and creating calmer nearshore conditions over time.

The project has also been recognised for delivering vital economic benefit by protecting the coastal town’s tourism assets and seafront businesses, while reducing long-term maintenance and flood damage costs.

For residents and visitors, it has improved safety, accessibility and confidence along the seafront, with enhanced public spaces, new seating areas and continued access for walking, cycling and recreation, all designed to complement the character of the town.

Mike Goodall, creative director and co-founder of OOBE, said: “Millport has been a standout project for us and demonstrates how climate resilience can be delivered in a way that protects communities while enhancing the places people value most. 

“Working closely with North Ayrshire Council, Turner & Townsend, Royal HaskoningDHV, Van Oord and the local community, we’ve created a solution that is both highly effective in reducing flood risk and sensitive to Millport’s signature character.  We’re excited to see this work recognised at a national level.”

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