Case Study Stephenson Street Flood Risk Management Scheme
Welsh Government-sponsored body Natural Resources Wales commissioned us, Time-Lapse Systems, to document the delivery of a major flood defence scheme in Newport, Wales. The project formed part of a publicly funded programme designed to mitigate long-term flood risk, protect residential communities, and strengthen the resilience of critical local infrastructure within a sensitive environmental and urban setting.
Given the statutory responsibilities of the client and the public-facing nature of the scheme, the visual documentation was required to support transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making throughout the construction process. The resulting record needed to provide clear evidence of progress, demonstrate how public funding was being applied over time, and support engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
The Challenge
Flood defence projects are delivered within a complex framework of environmental regulation, heritage constraints, and public scrutiny. In this case, the client required a visual record that extended beyond demonstrating physical progress on site.
The documentation needed to function as a continuous and verifiable record capable of supporting internal governance, audit processes, and technical review, while also communicating complex engineering activity to non-technical audiences, including elected members and local communities.
The scheme was delivered in close coordination between main contractor Alun Griffiths and Natural Resources Wales, the latter of whose regulatory oversight and environmental expertise were central to ensuring that flood risk management measures aligned with wider catchment and environmental objectives. The visual record needed to reflect this integrated approach without oversimplifying the realities of environmental management or civil engineering delivery.
Our Approach
To provide a comprehensive and balanced record of the scheme, we implemented a multi-layered capture strategy combining fixed time-lapse infrastructure with regular aerial surveys.
10 high-resolution time-lapse cameras were installed across the site, each positioned to monitor defined areas of activity, key construction interfaces, and phases identified as operationally or technically significant. This ensured that the project could be understood as a coordinated system rather than a series of isolated tasks.
One camera was fixed to the Grade I listed Newport Transporter Bridge, providing a unique elevated viewpoint across the scheme. Installation and operation were carefully planned to respect the heritage status of the structure and ensure no impact on the asset.
In addition to the fixed cameras, fortnightly drone surveys were undertaken throughout the project, resulting in a total of 43 individual aerial capture sessions. These surveys provided valuable spatial context, illustrating the scale of the works, site access and logistics, temporary works, and the evolving relationship between completed elements, active construction zones, the river environment, and surrounding communities.
All imagery was delivered through a secure online portal, giving the client and stakeholders continuous access to current and historical records. This supported remote review, reporting, and evidence-based discussion throughout the project lifecycle.
By Numbers
time-lapse cameras
drone flights
images captured
Health and Safety Management
Central to our works on-site, given the live construction environment and proximity to public safety, were the following H&S considerations:
Comprehensive site-specific risk assessments and method statements were prepared in advance of each phase of work, including camera installation and drone operations. These were aligned with the principal contractor’s health and safety systems and coordinated with site management to ensure full compliance with regulations.
Drone surveys were carried out under strict aviation and operational protocols, including detailed flight planning, environmental risk assessment, and exclusion zone management. Particular care was taken to protect site operatives, nearby infrastructure, waterways, and members of the public. All flights were undertaken by qualified operators using approved procedures.
Time-lapse camera installations, including those on sensitive structures, were completed following detailed access and structural assessments, ensuring safe installation and ongoing operation without disruption to site activities or public areas.
The Outcome
Internally, the time-lapse and aerial imagery informed post-phase reviews and the identification of “lessons learned”. The ability to review historical activity enabled evidence-based discussion around sequencing, methodology, access constraints, environmental conditions, and interface management as the scheme progressed.
Externally, the documentation provided a clear and transparent account of progress, reinforcing public confidence in the management of flood risk and the responsible stewardship of public funds. The visual record complemented the wider work of Natural Resources Wales by illustrating how environmental oversight, regulatory requirements, and engineering delivery were coordinated in practice.
Footage from the project was featured by ITV News in April 2023, helping to communicate the purpose and impact of the scheme to a wider audience during a period of increased public awareness around flooding and climate resilience.
More On The Scheme
- With over 2,000 homes and business in the Lliswerry area of Newport at risk of flooding, the Stephenson Street Flood Risk Management scheme has been designed to address weak spots along the old Risk Usk embankment.Main contractor Alun Griffiths has installed a combination of flood walls, gates and grass embankments under instruction of Natural Resources Wales, with £25m of funding provided by the Welsh Government.As well as the main project works, the project has also improved access to the Wales Coast Path and delivered three new urban forests, with over 1,500 trees planted in these areas.
How we can help you
If you are delivering a flood defence or environmentally-sensitive infrastructure project and require support in demonstrating governance, reporting, regulatory engagement, and public accountability, we can support your scheme.
Contact us to discuss your project requirements.