20th Feb 2015 – Update on Dam Works at Highams Park Lake from City of London Corporation
Dear All
We are nearing the end of the Highams park Dam improvement project with work on schedule to finish for the 10th March 2015. There will still be some landscaping actions continuing beyond this time, however the core works will be complete.
This fortnight’s update is as follows:
Scouts Hut Floodwall
The floodwall is now looking complete with all bricks and coping stones installed. An anti-graffiti coating is to be applied to the entire wall to make it proof to vandalism. The security fencing around the scout huts will also be reinstated.
Landing Stage
Repair works to the concrete landing stage on top of the dam are almost complete. New timber fenders have been provided to help the launch of canoes on the lake in the future.
Footbridge
A new narrower footbridge has been installed. Some adjustments to the abutments and fencing around the footbridge will be completed shortly.
Drawdown structure
The inlet and outlet structures are now complete as far as structural works are concerned, and the pipes have been laid. Erosion protection is being constructed in the River Ching shortly. Both the inlet and outlet structure will be fitted with equipment at the end of the month to enable the safe operation of the structure in the future.
Spillway works
The spillway has been reprofiled with imported clay to achieve a shallower slope that will limit the velocity of overtopping flows in an extreme flood event. The reprofiled clay slope will be covered with topsoil prior to a turf reinforcement material being installed. The slope will then be seeded and will have to be fenced to let the grass establish and provide the required level of erosion protection. The fences are temporary and will be removed as soon as possible,
What Next?
The area will be landscaped later this month. This will include planting new trees and shrubs, an area of wildflower seeding, together with a new footpath, bike stands and the benches will be reinstated.
Please get in touch should you have any questions.
Regards
Geoff Sinclair
Head of Operations
Open Spaces, Epping Forest