Basildon University Hospital SuDS Retrofit – SPONGE 2020

This case was originally published on Essex County Council’s website in 2025.

Case study

Project Overview

Essex County Council (ECC), in partnership with Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, initiated the SPONGE 2020 project to retrofit the Basildon Hospital courtyard with a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS). The primary goal was to increase the site’s resilience to surface water flooding while simultaneously improving the communal space for the benefit of patients and hospital staff.

The Solution: Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

SuDS are designed to manage rainfall in a way that mimics natural processes. By absorbing rainwater like a sponge, they help to:

• Minimise the negative effects of excessive rainfall.
• Reduce surface water runoff and associated water pollution.
• Create green spaces and natural habitats that encourage and improve biodiversity.

Process and Stakeholder Engagement

To ensure the renovated courtyard met the needs of its users, a thorough stakeholder engagement process was conducted. Feedback from the community and hospital users directly influenced the final design. Key features incorporated as a result of this engagement include:

• Easy-maintenance planting
• The use of natural materials
• Installation of permanent seating areas

Funding and Partnership

The project was funded by the Interreg 2 Seas programme, which is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. This fund supports the creation and delivery of innovative solutions for surface water management and climate change resilience.

The SPONGE 2020 initiative is a collaborative effort involving partners such as Dutch, British, and Flemish local governments and water authorities, all working alongside local stakeholders.

Strategic Alignment

For Essex County Council, participation in SPONGE 2020 aligns with its strategic vision to ‘create great places to grow up, live and work’. By reducing the impact of flooding and working with local communities, the project enhances local resilience and improves the quality of public spaces.

Relevant transformational adaptation principle(s)

Active Engagement: Lasting change depends on genuine collaboration with communities. This is about working together over time, recognising that emotions and values shape how people see risk, and building a shared vision for the future of each place.

The project put collaboration at its core, involving hospital staff, local authorities, designers, and the wider community in shaping the retrofit. By working together, stakeholders co-designed sustainable drainage solutions that not only manage flood risk but also improve the hospital environment for patients and staff. This long-term, participatory approach reflects the essence of Active Engagement — building shared understanding, fostering ownership, and ensuring that solutions meet the needs of the people who use and depend on the site.

Suggested Citation

Essex County Council (2025) SPONGE: a new approach to tackling flooding. At: https://flood.essex.gov.uk/our-work/sponge-project/ (Accessed: 9th September 2025)