Need help finding something?
PROJECTS
Holbeach Bank Pumping Station Refurbishment Project
Services
Civil Engineering
Location
Holbeach Bank,
Lincolnshire
Partners
Bosman Water Management – Pumps
Completed
March 2026
Holbeach Bank Pumping Station plays a critical role in managing water levels across the low-lying landscape of Holbeach Marsh. Commissioned in 1992, the station supports a strategic catchment of approximately 809 hectares, protecting agricultural land, local infrastructure and the wider community by efficiently transferring water from Holbeach Marsh into the Holbeach River.
The surrounding environment is characterised by flat, intensively managed farmland intersected by drainage channels that are essential for flood risk management and land drainage. Pumping stations such as Holbeach Bank are a vital part of this historic and highly engineered landscape, helping to balance agricultural productivity with flood resilience and environmental stewardship.
Funding for the Holbeach Bank Pumping Station Refurbishment Project, was secured through the National Storm Recovery Fund.
Project Overview
While the main concrete structures were in good condition, inspections confirmed that essential mechanical and electrical equipment had reached the end of its design life and required replacement. Localised deterioration to steel sheet piling in the wet–dry zone was also identified, prompting planned repairs to safeguard the long-term integrity of the structure.
The project replaced the pumps with modern, fish-friendly units, maintaining the station’s full pumping capacity while significantly improving environmental performance. A new Motor Control Centre (MCC) was also installed, providing updated control and monitoring systems to improve operational reliability and resilience. Early engagement with suppliers confirmed that the new MCC could be accommodated within the existing building, minimising disruption and avoiding the need for new construction.
In addition, the automatic weed screen cleaner was refurbished to ensure effective debris management and consistent station performance during high flows. Repairs to the upstream steel sheet piles were undertaken to address areas of deterioration. Together, these works extend the operational life of the pumping station and ensure it continues to provide effective flood risk management for the Holbeach Marsh catchment.
Benefits
- Improved reliability of flood risk management infrastructure, helping to reduce the risk of flooding across the Holbeach Marsh catchment.
- Continued protection of homes, businesses, agricultural land and local infrastructure.
- Reduced risk of unplanned outages through the replacement of life-expired equipment.
- Installation of fish-friendly pumps, improving fish passage and supporting local biodiversity.
- More efficient pumping equipment, helping to reduce energy use and operational impacts.
- Refurbishment of the weed screen to maintain effective debris management and reduce blockages that could impact watercourses.
Project Gallery
