Barton to New Holland February 2026 update

The first stage business case for the project was approved in August 2025, for an estimated cost of £39M. Since then, the project team and consultant Arup have agreed the scope and programme to develop the Final Business Case (FBC), including detailed design, necessary evidence, consents and approvals.

We are also continuing to employ our framework contractor Jackson Civil Engineering to help advise on construction methods, costs and enabling works. As such, the second phase of the ground investigation has now been completed, with associated reports due shortly.

The project team are continuing to consider the scope of asset resilience and repairs that could be incorporated into the scheme, e.g. at Barrow Haven and the team have had very productive meetings with Councillors from North Lincolnshire Council.

The ecological surveys have continued, with both bat and badger habitat surveys now progressing. Involved landowners have been informed. The project team are actively trying to spot any opportunities to significantly reduce the amount of funding contributions required. Construction is expected to take around 2 years, with the ambition to commence late 2027/28.