Posted on February 11, 2025
THE Environment Agency has announced refurbishment work they predict “will bring more than £550 million worth of economic benefits to communities in the Sandown Bay area.
The agency is holding a series of community information events about the Shanklin and Yaverland Coastal Defence Schemes.
Events are being held in Sandown Bay on Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19.
A groyne at Sandown Bay. (Image: Environment Agency) There will also be two online events on Monday, March 10, and Tuesday, March 11, for those unable to attend the public events.
These events, organised by the Environment Agency, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, will showcase the progress of these coastal defence projects, which will cost £4 million.
The aim of them is to better protect more than 500 properties, businesses and local habitats from coastal erosion and flooding.
The current coastal defences are deteriorating, increasing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.
The Environment Agency, along with its partners delivering the project, will repair the sea wall and the groynes.
Its investment aims to help protect the Sandown Bay communities from rising sea levels and, more extreme storm events, while enhancing accessibility, biodiversity and overall aesthetics to the seafront.
Emily Webster, the Environment Agency’s project lead for Shanklin and Yaverland Coastal Defence Schemes, said: “These family-friendly and dog-friendly events during half term, offer an excellent opportunity for residents to find out more about the Yaverland and Shanklin Coastal Defence Schemes.
“There will be experts on hand to talk about the details of the designs.
“Artist impressions and construction plans of the seafront will be on display, as well as interactive activities for families and children to learn more about coastal processes.
“Our work on the scheme so far has enabled us to understand how much the seafront in Shanklin and Yaverland is valued by local people.
“This refurbishment work will not only better protect the communities from the impacts of climate change but will bring over £550 million worth of economic benefits to the communities, the local infrastructure and the local environment.”
The first community event will be held at Brown’s Golf and Pluto’s Café, Culver Parade, Sandown, from 2.30pm on Tuesday, February 18.
To find out more, visit the Isle of Wight Coastal Defence Schemes Information Page on the Environment Agency’s website.
