CURRENT Project
Hamworthy Park Seawall (East) Repairs 2024The planned repairs to the eastern end of the sea wall form part of BCP Council’s seafront investment projects funded by UK Government.
Lead Authority
BCP Council
Working with
Contractor – Suttle Projects
Friends of Hamworthy Park
Project start date
w/c 27 August 2024
Project CoST
£520,000
Last Updated
05 September 2024
Project Overview
Essential repairs to the sea wall are taking place from September-November 2024 with Government funding and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) support.
The works will strengthen a 200 metre-long section of the Eastern seawall to ensure it continues to protect the eastern promenade at Hamworthy Park from coastal erosion for the next 20 years.
The works
Phase 1 – red and white barriers have been placed along the entire 200 metre Eastern section of prom as a 1 metre width of tarmac and the top edge of the sea wall is removed. The prom will be reduced in width but will remain open as much as possible throughout the works.
Phase 2 – the seawall is being repaired in 25 metre sections using reinforcement and poured concrete. Each 25m section will take approximately one week to complete, when taller Heras fencing will protect the works area.
Phase 3 – the removed outer edge of promenade tarmac will be re-surfaced.
Contractor, Suttle Projects have set up their works compound near to the Outdoor Activity Centre. A temporary trackway has been laid from the Lulworth Avenue white barrier to the compound to protect the ground during the project.
Normal site operational hours will be 07:00 – 17:30; but some working outside these may be needed around tides and daylight conditions. Subject to weather and tidal conditions, we anticipate the works to finish by the end of November 2024.
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
Access along the promenade and to beach huts will be maintained as much as possible throughout the project. Seafront Services will liaise directly with 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.
- For details of the Park’s history please visit the Friends of Hamworthy Park website.
On site notice boards
