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PROJECTS
Magdalen Fen Strategy Project
Services
Civil Engineering
Location
Magdalen Bridge Outfall
Waltham Farm Pumping Station
Crabbs Abbey PS
Partners
Breheny Civil Engineers
Bedford Pumps Ltd
ECS Engineering Services
Stantec
Start & Completion
May 2025 – Ongoing
Magdalen Bridge Outfall
Replacement of a 30-metre culvert at Magdalen High Road bridge - Completed August 2025
Waltham Farm Pumping Station
Replacement of failing asset with a new 0.213 cumec Archimedes screw pump, weedscreen, discharge pipe and flap valve
Crabbs Abbey Pumping Station
Upgrade existing pumping station with two new 1.125 cumec fish-friendly pumps with modern motor control centres (MCCs)
Overview
The Magdalen Fen catchment forms an important part of the King’s Lynn Internal Drainage Board (IDB) district, encompassing rich agricultural land, rural communities and areas of environmental significance, such as the Wiggenhall St Germans SSSI. The landscape is shaped by its watercourses and drainage networks, which require careful management to protect both people and nature.
The Magdalen Fen Strategy Project is delivering improvements to key drainage assets within two separate catchments:
- Magdalen Bridge Outfall catchment – 4.86 km², drained by gravity.
- Crabbs Abbey Pumping Station (PS) catchment – 17.72 km², pumped.
A study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of combining these two catchments to rationalise assets. However, the works required to increase capacity, including upsizing drains and enlarging culverts along the entire route to Crabbs Pumping Station, rendered this option prohibitively expensive. The catchments will therefore remain independent.
Funding has been secured through an Environment Agency Grant-in-Aid of £3,677,352 and a £220,000 contribution from the Board.
Benefits
The works consist of
- Crabbs Abbey Pumping Station – Upgrade existing pumping station with two new 1.125 cumec fish-friendly pumps with modern motor control centres (MCCs)
- Magdalen Bridge Outfall – New culvert and replacement of the intake & outfall
- Waltham Farm Pumping Station – Replacement of failing asset with a new 0.213 cumec Archimedes screw pump, weedscreen, discharge pipe and flap valve
Collectively these assets protect people, property and nature. By replacing infrastructure at the end of its service life, the project will reduce the flood risks and safeguard 119 homes, farmland and local businesses.
Environmental considerations are at the heart of the design. The use of fish-friendly pumps supports river ecology, while ecological surveys, including water vole mitigation, ensure that protected species are not adversely affected.
Project Photo Gallery
