Building Belfast’s Hidden Defences

By Karen McShane, Civil Engineer and Transport Planner

Karen McShane of Karen McShane Ltd reflects on the remarkable legacy of Charles Brand and the hidden flood defences now protecting the heart of Belfast.

A Legacy of Engineering

Charles Brand may not be a familiar name to many, but his company’s legacy in engineering stretches back to 1829 when he set up his business in Montrose, Scotland.

By 1870, his son James had expanded operations, and by 1918 grandson Harry had completed underground railways across Scotland and played a role in the London Underground.

By the 1930s, James Rennie and Freddie Taylor were directors, but it wasn’t until 1989 that Charles Brand became independent in Northern Ireland. Acquired in the early 1990s by J. P. Kier & Co. Ltd, the company worked on major infrastructure projects, including the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group.

A Modern Project for Belfast

This summer, Karen joined Patrick Harney and Steven Tate for a tour of one of Brand’s most significant undertakings – the newly completed £33 million Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme.

This major infrastructure project provides enhanced flood protection for more than 3,000 properties across the city.

The Scale of the Scheme

Julie Templeton of Atkins Réalis, the project designer, explained that the scheme:

• Accounts for climate change projections up to 2080
• Incorporates adaptable features for future resilience
• Spans 8km from Stranmillis to the Belfast Harbour Estate

The system is divided into five flood cells, each with its own style of defences.

The numbers are remarkable:

• 5,200m of reinforced concrete walls
• 800m of demountable barriers (including those near Lanyon Place station)
• 1,500 flood gates
• 1,100m of glass flood walls – the UK’s longest stretch
• 20,000 tonnes of rock fill
• 25,000 tonnes of concrete installed
• 180 structural elements

Designed for the City

The scheme carefully integrates with surrounding developments, from City Quays to Queen’s University accommodation, and even ties into the forthcoming Lagan Footbridge.

Patrick Harney noted that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

“Hardly noticed the finished defences because the wall types blend in with the surrounding environment.”

That subtlety is intentional. Reinforced concrete cores allow for bespoke finishes tailored to each location, helping the defences blend into landmarks like Cutter’s Wharf and the Lagan Lookout.

Minimising Disruption

The project faced challenges – 157 utility diversions, over 76 landowners involved, and tree preservation across 77 mature trees. But careful planning and strong community engagement meant disruption was minimised.

Coordination with Belfast Events was also critical to avoid clashing with city activities.

A Hidden but Vital Defence

The result is a scheme with long-term significance. Without it, over 2km² of Belfast – including the very heart of the city – would be at risk of flooding.

The most impressive feature, however, is its invisibility. The hidden defence now quietly protects thousands of homes and businesses, blending into the city so seamlessly that most people won’t even notice it’s there.

📍 Karen McShane Ltd
Albany House, 73–75 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AF
📞 Tel: +44 (0)28 9560 9798
📧 Email: info@karenmcshane.co.uk
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