ASSET MAINTENANCE
2022 – 2023
Lake Pier rock armour at Hamworthy, Poole
Planning permission has been granted to protect Lake Pier car park and Pier head from coastal erosion. The proposal is to replace the life-expired gabion baskets with rock armour. For details see Application Reference APP/23/00329/F at the BCP Planning portal.
The plans are to maintain stability of the embankment, the gabion baskets will be carefully dismantled in short sections and replaced with imported rock. The small stones from the old gabion baskets will be re-used to infill the spaces between the rock armour and embankment.
Some minor gateway improvements are also planned for the car park, just outside Ham Common Nature Reserve. They will include improving beach access by upgrading the path, using recycled timbers from the groyne renewal works in Bournemouth.
Rock revetment replenishment at Holes Bay, Poole
We are planning to make repairs to the revetment that protects the shared cycle/footpath on the edge of Holes Bay. It is anticipated the works will take less than one week and access past the site will be maintained. New rocks will be added at key points to prevent this important route from being undermined by the tidal action of the sea water. Our photo shows how the sea has started to scour the edge of the footpath which would only continue to weaken over time if we did nothing.
To prevent any further destabilisation and avoid disturbing habitats that have formed below the low water mark, all works will take place on the upper section of the revetment. Poole Harbour is a designated Special Protection Area for overwintering birds and is also one of only three sites along the UK’s South Coast to have the rare sponge, Suberites massa, which is said to resemble the form, appearance and size of a human brain!
April 2023
Aids to Navigation – 2023 Groyne Marker Annual Inspection passed
120 local Aids to Navigation across the coastline of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were inspected by Trinity House on 26th April 2023. The groyne markers were assessed to be in good and efficient order, with only seven minor defects noted for future maintenance works.
If you see a damaged or missing marker, please report it via coastal@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
April 2023
Sterte Pumping Station, Poole – Flap valve replacement
Three flap valves were replaced to ensure the continued efficient operation of the pumping station at Sterte Industrial Estate, Sterte Road.
Works were delivered by contractors Aquatic Control Engineering Ltd and Avon Construction Ltd.
Old flap valves to be replaced
Old flap valves to be replaced
Sterte Channel
Sterte Channel
Valves being winched into place
Valves being winched into place
First installation complete
First installation complete
March 2023
Timber Groyne repairs at Avon Beach, Christchurch
A number of timber groynes across Avon Beach were repaired during March, including failed planks and bolts that were replaced with suitable materials recycled from the Poole Bay groyne renewal programme.
These repairs provide a stop-gap while we continue to develop the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Strategy. Once adopted, it will enable us to bid for government funding to deliver viable and realistic coast protection schemes to implement Shoreline Management Plan policy and address the impacts of climate change such as sea level rise.
The caps of these 2 pile columns are being repaired. Planks recycled from the timber groyne renewal programme at Bournemouth are being used for repair works.
The caps of these 2 pile columns are being repaired
March 2023
Groyne Marker repairs at Avon Beach, Christchurch
Groyne Markers are important aids to navigation. At the end of January 2023, two markers failed at the eastern end of Avon Beach following stormy weather. For safety reasons they were removed, but replaced in March 2023. Three others in the vicinity were also repaired.
Works were carried out by Earlcoate Construction.
August 2022
Groyne repairs at Solent Beach, Southbourne
Two groynes at Solent Beach were repaired to improve their stability. These groynes are made of rock armour, timber and mesh covered stone, similar to a gabion basket. They help maintain beach material volumes and protect the dunes behind. Works were carried out by Avon Construction Ltd.
June 2022
Gabion basket repairs at Double Dykes, near Hengistbury Head
Some 50 gabion baskets have been repaired following damage caused during Storm Eunice in February 2022. Works were carried out by our contractor, Avon Construction Ltd., and included re-packing the affected baskets with 40 tonnes of stone and securing them with a new mesh.
This work will help maintain the structural stability of the footpath above in the short-term while we consider options for more permanent coastal defences.
Access to the beach and pathway was maintained throughout the during the works
Access to the beach and pathway was maintained throughout the during the works
40 tonnes of rock was added to the gabion baskets and secured with a new mesh front
40 tonnes of rock was added to the gabion baskets and secured with a new mesh front
Completed works
Completed works
Completed works
Completed works
March 2022
Convent Walk repairs at Riverside (Mill Stream), Christchurch
Nearby tree roots had caused damage to a 24 metre long section of pathway and riverside wall.
The works involved:
- Working with a BCP arboriculturist to assist with root cutting and tree works
- Recovering displaced stones from the Millstream, replacing missing stones and repointing
- New tarmac on this section of pathway
After
After
After
During
Before
Before
Before
March 2022
Inner harbour wall repairs at Mudeford Quay, Christchurch
Repairs to a section of the inner harbour wall (see map) where several coping stones had become dislodged and fallen into the harbourside.
The works were carried out between 14th – 31st March and involved:
- Cleaning the wall and recovering coping stones from the water
- Re-bedding the top course of copings
- Rebuilding a 10 to 20m section of wall
- Re-pointing along the length of wall (approx. 80m)
- Recover and refit displaced rock armour adjacent to the footbridge
During
During
During
Before
Before
Before
Before
March 2022
Groyne Marker reinstallations at Highcliffe, Friars Cliff and Mudeford Sandbank, Christchurch
Our contractor, JT Mackley, re-installed several groyne markers (Aids to Navigation) in Christchurch Bay which were leaning or had failed following the recent storms.
(Highcliffe x 1, Friars Cliff x 1 and Mudeford Sandbank x 6)
Works were carried out 29th March – 1st April 2022.
