Posted on January 20, 2025
WORK to safeguard a harbour against coastal erosion is now complete.
BCP Council has completed major works to protect Hamworthy Park against future coastal erosion for the next 20 years.
A 200-metre stretch of sea wall has been reinforced on the eastern promenade with low-carbon concrete, and new steps have been built to the shoreline.
The work also included repairs to the two jetties and the addition of buttresses to support the wall.
The project cost £550,000 in total and was made possible thanks to an investment of £318,000 from the central government’s Levelling Up Fund and £233,000 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) support funding.
Cllr Andy Hadley, cabinet member for climate response, environment and energy, said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the successful completion of these works.
“Hamworthy Park is a thriving community greenspace with a wonderful harbourside setting, and these repairs were essential to protect the prom from coastal erosion – securing residents’ and visitors’ access to this open space.
“Our ambitious Levelling Up Fund scheme, financed by nearly £20m of government grants, is set to bring rejuvenation across the entire BCP coastline, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the benefit to both our residents and visitors as further projects are completed.”
The project is the first of multiple schemes due to be delivered across BCP seafront thanks to the £ 19.9 million government grant.
Further LUF seafront projects, which include work to repair Bournemouth Pier, an upgraded lifeguard’s facility at Joseph Steps Zig-Zag Westcliff and improving the toilets and facilities along the coastline, are scheduled to be delivered as part of BCP Council’s Seafront Strategy over the next three years.
Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris added: “It’s brilliant to see the completion of the Hamworthy Park Sea Wall project, securing the future of Poole’s wonderful promenade and ensuring people will be able to enjoy this fantastic space for many years.
“This government is committed to revitalising high streets, town centres and communities including within our treasured coastal communities.”
