CURRENT Project
Hamworthy Park Seawall (East) Repairs - Spring 2024
The planned repairs to the eastern end of the seawall form part of BCP Council’s Levelling Up Funding for seafront investment.
Lead Authority
BCP Council
Working with
Contractor – Suttles Projects
Friends of Hamworthy Park
Project start date
w/c 26 August – setting up
Last Updated
July 2024
Project CoST
£520,000
Project Overview
From w/c 26 August 2024, we will be setting up the works area to repair the eastern facing seawall which protects the promenade and park from coastal flooding and erosion. This stretch of the seawall is 198m in length with a 4m return at the eastern end. The repairs will improve the condition and overall look of the wall and it is anticipated that the works will extend the life of the current concrete structure by at least another 20+ years.
BCP Council has appointed contractor Suttles Projects to carry out the works which we anticipate will take up to 15 weeks to complete but this is subject to weather and tides.
The works are being carried out with Government Levelling Up Funding (LUF) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Why the work is needed
Since 2020, the seawall has been visually inspected periodically and although there has been no observed new movement or rotation of the existing seawall, there are multiple historic cracks and failings of the construction joints. Previous patch repairs have also failed and this is allowing the sea to wash out material from under the exposed edge of the promenade, causing some sections to slump or fail.
Access & safety
It is likely that the works will be carried out in smaller sections. Access along the promenade and to beach huts will be maintained as much as possible throughout the project. Seafront Services will liaise directly with the beach hut owners.
When the works start, areas of the beach will be restricted for safety reasons. Please do not enter or pass the construction zone along the water’s edge, even at low tide, and keep dogs on leads.
Environmental Considerations
The site is adjacent to Poole Harbour which has a range of protected special designations including: Ramsar – wetland sites of international importance (especially as waterfowl habitat), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA). The repairs are to an existing structure within the original footprint and Natural England have permitted us to work up to the end of November 2024 when we must stop to allow overwintering birds to shelter.
About the Park
Hamworthy Park was officially opened in 1931, when eighteen acres of marshy land, with tidal lagoons and ditches, were transformed into a Community Park. It continues to offer residents and visitors a wonderful space to relax, exercise and play with unrivalled views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Arne and the distant Purbeck Hills. More information
