Dumfries and Galloway Council today (Thursday 11 December) voted to proceed with the £68.6 million Whitesands Project in Dumfries, combining major flood defences with significant public realm improvements.
The decision by elected members at today’s Full Council meeting in Dumfries unlocks £54.9 million in funding from the Scottish Government and paves the way for construction to begin in spring 2026.
The Whitesands Project is a key initiative to safeguard Dumfries from the River Nith flooding while revitalising the riverside area.
The town has suffered regular flooding for centuries, damaging property and deterring investment, with risks expected to worsen under climate change.
The project aims to deliver a permanent 1-in-75-year flood protection standard – a flood that has a 1.3% chance of happening in any given year – for Dumfries, safeguarding homes, businesses and key infrastructure.
It will create a revitalised riverside corridor at Greensands, Whitesands and Dock Park, with new walkways, landscaping and public spaces.
At today’s Full Council councillors considered the Full Business Case, developed in line with HM Treasury Green Book guidance, which sets out the strategic, economic, management, commercial and financial cases for the project.
The total project cost of £68.6 million – an increase from the 2023 estimate of £37.5 million due to design development and inflation – now provides financial clarity.
Councillors agreed to allocate £13.7 million (20%) of the project cost, securing £54.9 million (80%) in match-funding from the Scottish Government.
To date, £5 million had already been allocated by the council; today’s decision approves the additional £8.7 million required to green-light the project.
Councillor Katie Hagmann, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:
“Today’s decision secures essential funding needed to protect Dumfries from Whitesands flooding. It’s a significant investment in our town’s future prosperity and resilience.
“By agreeing to move forward in a positive direction with this project, we are safeguarding the community and creating long-term improvements to the Whitesands, Greensands and Dock Park areas.
“This flood protection project will help keep homes and businesses safe from the next major flood and it also creates a better environment along the riverside for residents and visitors alike.”
She added:
“We will continue to engage with the community, partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders as the project progresses.”
The Whitesands Project will now be submitted to the Scottish Government for final approval. Then, subject to all necessary consents, construction set to start in spring 2026. The project will be delivered in phases to manage disruption with completion expected in 2029.
It is expected the project will deliver benefits worth over £74 million, including reduced flood risk, improved health and wellbeing, enhanced recreation and active travel opportunities and a boost to the local economy. Ongoing operational and maintenance costs are estimated at £76,500 per year.
The Whitesands Project aligns with the council’s ambitions for climate adaptation, regeneration and community wellbeing, and supports the vision set out in the Local Place Plan for Dumfries town centre.
More information on the Whitesands Project can be found at:
https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/environment-community-safety/flooding/whitesands-project
The Full Business Case (with commercially sensitive information redacted) and committee report are available in the agenda papers (item 6) for today’s Full Council, which can be found here: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=137&MId=6211.
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
