Hydrology, Flood Risk, and Drainage Strategy for Humber Tech Park Data Centre

Humber Tech Park is set to become one of Europe’s largest AI-focused data centre campuses, located on a 200-acre site near the Humber Estuary in North Lincolnshire. The project, with a value of £3 billion, involves the construction of three hyperscale data centre buildings, a new substation, and associated infrastructure. The site’s scale, proximity to sensitive watercourses, and flat topography presented significant challenges in terms of hydrology, flood risk, and drainage management.

Given the site’s location near the estuary and its transformation from greenfield land, it was essential to ensure that the development would not increase flood risk locally or downstream. The planning process required a robust flood risk assessment, the design of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and the integration of climate resilience measures. The project also needed to demonstrate a positive impact on biodiversity, with new landscaping, tree planting, and ponds planned as part of the site’s ecological enhancement.

Arthian was appointed to deliver comprehensive hydrology, flood risk, and drainage consultancy services for Humber Tech Park. Our team began with a detailed hydrological assessment, using advanced modelling tools to analyse rainfall, runoff, and catchment characteristics. This enabled us to quantify baseline flood risk from all sources, including fluvial, tidal, and surface water flooding, and to identify key receptors both on and off site.

We prepared a thorough Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) in line with national and local planning policy, ensuring that the proposed development would remain safe from flooding throughout its lifetime and would not increase flood risk elsewhere. Our drainage strategy incorporated a range of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), including permeable surfaces, attenuation basins, and controlled discharge to local watercourses. These measures were carefully integrated with the site’s landscape and ecological masterplan, supporting the project’s commitment to significant biodiversity improvements.

Throughout the planning and design process, Arthian worked closely with the developer, statutory consultees, and local stakeholders to ensure that all hydrological and drainage solutions were robust, resilient, and aligned with best practice. Our transparent project management and reporting enabled rapid responses to emerging challenges and ensured that all regulatory requirements were met.

The outcome was a set of hydrology, flood risk, and drainage strategies that not only secured planning consent for this nationally significant data centre, but also set a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development in the region. Arthian’s expertise helped Humber Tech Park deliver on its vision for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.