Eight beach areas from Southbourne to Poole will be topped-up with sand from January 2021 as part of the Poole Bay Beach Management Scheme which is designed to make the coastline more climate resilient.
In combination with the seawall to protect the cliff toe from erosion, beach management is required to maintain a beach profile capable of withstanding extreme storm events. This is provided by renourishing our beaches with material dredged from an offshore licenced area, which must closely match the native beach.
This £7.5 million project, which is being carried out by Boskalis Westminster Ltd, will see around 350,000m³ of sand being pumped ashore (using a pipeline) and distributed by bulldozers. The locations requiring a top-up include Solent Path to St Catherine’s Path, Gordon’s Corner to Fisherman’s Walk, Portman Ravine zig-zag, Boscombe Pier, East Cliff, West Cliff to Middle Chine and either side of Shore Road in Poole.
Work to renew four timber groynes is also underway this winter from the Poole / Bournemouth boundary to Middle Chine by contractors Suttle Projects Ltd.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste commented:
“In May 2020, BCP Council received confirmation from the Environment Agency that it had been awarded £33 million of government funding for these essential works in Poole Bay. Without it, properties, highways and supporting infrastructure would be lost to coastal erosion. These works can only be witnessed occasionally and are a real spectacle. Covid restrictions allowing, we welcome people to take a stroll on the prom to see it all in action!”
As the works are carried out, areas of the beach will be closed for safety reasons, but access along the promenade will be maintained to allow residents and visitors to pass by safely. Alumhurst Road carpark will remain open.
We anticipate all works will be completed by spring 2021, subject to weather conditions, tides and working arrangements based on latest Covid-19 guidance.
Further project details & updates:
Work to renew four timber groynes from the Poole / Bournemouth boundary to Middle Chine:
