THE Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme, delivered by landscape architects OOBE in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, has been shortlisted in the Climate Resilience category at the 2026 Pineapple Awards.
The £48 million project is designed to protect more than 600 homes, businesses and assets from increasing coastal flood risk linked to climate change.
Providing a ‘one-in-200-year’ standard of protection across 2km of coastline, the project has reduced the risk of flooding, coastal erosion and storm damage. It combines offshore and onshore interventions, including a rock armour breakwater to reduce wave energy entering Millport Bay, alongside flood walls, revetments and stepped terraces integrated into the promenade. Together, these measures are designed to defend Millport’s coastline by absorbing wave energy, limiting erosion and creating calmer nearshore conditions over time.
The project has also been recognised for delivering economic benefits by protecting tourism assets and seafront businesses, while reducing long-term maintenance and flood damage costs.
For residents and visitors, it has delivered enhanced public spaces, new seating areas and continued access for walking, cycling and recreation.
Mike Goodall, creative director and co-founder of OOBE, said, “Millport has been a standout project for us and demonstrates how climate resilience can be delivered in a way that protects communities while enhancing the places people value most. Working closely with North Ayrshire Council, Turner & Townsend, Royal HaskoningDHV, Van Oord and the local community, we’ve created a solution that is both highly effective in reducing flood risk and sensitive to Millport’s signature character. We’re excited to see this work recognised at a national level.”
The Pineapple Awards celebrate excellence in placemaking across the UK, with winners set to be announced later this month.
