Improved flood defences for Shoreham town centre
We're working with the Environment Agency, West Sussex County Council and Sussex Yacht Club on a project to build additional flood defences to protect Shoreham from the River Adur.
Shoreham suffered major flooding in April 2024 when the Adur burst its banks during severe weather. Rising sea levels means the town is under increasing risk of further flood damage during storms.
New flood defences are needed alongside the A259 Brighton Road from the Adur Ferry Bridge to Mariner Point, across the length of the Sussex Yacht Club site, to protect dozens of homes and businesses.
Photo: the A259 Brighton Road at Sussex Yacht Club, in Shoreham-by-Sea
Photos: Flooding on the A259 Brighton Road and at the entrance to Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham
Challenges that have had to be overcome have included disputes over the definitive location of public rights of way over the land, access to the site and designs for the project.
The approved plans are for a robust, steel-piled concrete, brick and flint wall up to 2.2 metres in height, featuring flood gates that will allow access to the yacht club and serve the public right of way through the site.
A pathway will run alongside the northern side of the flood wall between Mariner Point and the Shoreham footbridge, allowing better and safer access for pedestrians past the yacht club.
A contractor is expected to be appointed early in 2026 so that work would begin on site in the spring. The project would then be intended to be completed this autumn.
We'll provide updates on the project on this webpage and via our:
Press releases:
- 10th December 2025 - Work set to begin on Shoreham flood defences in the new year
- 18th July 2025 - Partners discuss new plan to deliver Shoreham flood defences
You may also be interested in:
- River Adur Tidal Walls Flood Defence Scheme
- Flooding - advice (severe weather)
- Coastal protection and management
Photo: Sussex Yacht Club viewed from the Adur Ferry footbridge
Photo: the Adur Ferry Bridge in Shoreham
Page last updated: 22 January 2026