A major flood alleviation scheme being launched in Mansfield is on a scale never seen in the UK before.

Severn Trent has shared its vision for the £76m Green Recovery project, which includes rain gardens, with town centre businesses.

Mansfield is set to be transformed over the next three years with new sustainable urban drainage systems, which it is hoped will make communities more resilient against the increasing threat of flooding from climate change, population growth and urban development.

The company shared visualisations at a meeting with Mansfield BID.

Severn Trent design partners Arup has created artist’s impressions of what Mansfield could potentially look like following the installation of the nature-based solutions to help alleviate flooding. The images show designs for rain gardens that are proposed for Market Street and The Court House areas of the town.

Adam Boucher, programme lead for Severn Trent, said: “It’s fantastic to share our vision for Mansfield with local business representatives.

“We’re tackling the threat of flooding, using innovative nature-based solutions that will bring greener spaces and places for people to enjoy, giving more reason for people to come to the town that will hopefully boost footfall and visitors.

“We want to help make Mansfield a place for people to be proud of, and we know through this project we’ll see benefits to the environment, and community wellbeing — so being able to share our visualisations is exciting.”

Severn Trent plans to install around 15,000 green interventions across the district in a series of ambitious projects, starting this year.

“This is a collaborative effort, not only between ourselves and Mansfield District and Nottinghamshire County councils but businesses and communities too,” added Adam. “There will be opportunities for communities to get involved, teaming up with schools, customer groups, and developers and businesses that are helping us to install these interventions.”

Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “Severn Trent’s rain gardens in areas around the Market Place will help to alleviate the growing risk of flooding, as well as make Mansfield cleaner, greener and healthier.

“The innovative Green Recovery programme fits perfectly with our own ambitious plans to make Mansfield more vibrant. Work will soon be starting on our own urban greening project to create attractive, environmentally-friendly green spaces in the town centre.

“This includes a memorial garden at the back of the Old Town Hall and a pocket park with a slide for youngsters on the existing green space, on the corner of Walkden Street and Quaker Way.

“All these improvements will help make Mansfield more attractive and encourage people to spend more time and, therefore, money in the town centre for the benefit of the local economy, our residents and visitors.”

Jay Rowlinson, chief executive of Mansfield BID, said: “Mansfield BID is excited about the positive changes that Severn Trent will be bringing.

“Introducing major flood defences into the town and surrounding areas, making them much more resilient to flooding whilst also welcoming innovative nature-based solutions bringing green places and spaces, will raise the profile and welcoming look of Mansfield town centre.

“Mansfield BID is communicating regularly with the Severn Trent project development team, consistently highlighting our members’ thoughts, concerns and ideas to assist in the delivery of this major project and the positive effect it will have on our town.”

Jenna Simpson, who owns R&R Permanent Make-Up Studio and Training in the town centre, said: “I’m excited as a Mansfield business owner to see a big change in the town, along with the Mansfield Plan too. The new rain gardens will bring a beautiful visual setting to the town and a vibrant buzz, enticing new businesses and clientele.

“It is also good to hear that Severn Trent is doing what it can to protect the town from potential flooding.”

Severn Trent is to begin the first phase in the spring. It will roll out intervention work in Ravensdale, before moving into the town centre.