A significant programme of work to replace and strengthen the two main harbour walls which support the peninsula in Weymouth will start early in 2025 and is likely to take between 10 and 12 months to complete.
Recent inspections show the walls of the peninsula to be in very poor condition. As such, they need to be replaced urgently to prevent failure.
The current walls, known as F and G, were last repaired in 1977 by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. They will be replaced with new walls which will be installed in front of the existing wall.
The new walls need to be higher than what is currently in place to protect the peninsula from predicted sea level rises until the year 2100. Once the main construction work is complete, a raised public walkway will be built behind them on the peninsula, to ensure the panoramic views over the walls are maintained.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services said:
“Unfortunately, not doing this work is not an option. Dorset Council has a duty to maintain its harbour walls and if we choose to not replace these walls soon, the strength and stability of the peninsula is at risk. A section of the car park and walkway has already been fenced off at the far end, as minor sink holes have appeared above where the wall is already failing.
“This work will be very much dependent on weather and sea conditions, and we’ve designed the programme to lessen the impact as much as possible to local people, visitors and businesses. We hope that by making this announcement so far in advance, residents and businesses have as much notice as possible ahead of work starting. We are very grateful for everyone’s understanding and patience.”
The first phase of the work will start on the wall closest to the beach by The Pavilion. To provide contractors and their machinery with a safe working area temporary traffic lights will be in place opposite The Pavilion forecourt. Access to and from The Pavilion car park will be restricted to one lane and a small section of the beach which hugs the harbour wall will be closed to the public for this phase of the work. These restrictions are expected to be in place until the end of May 2025.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration said:
“Dorset Council has ambitions to create a collaborative, long-term vision for Weymouth, building on the town’s unique identity. Government funding of £19.5m is helping us to bring forward several sites across the town which will deliver a mix of dwellings, including an appropriate element of affordable homes, together with suitable commercial enterprises that encourage economic regeneration. If we do not carry out this vital engineering programme, longer term ambitions for regeneration of this site cannot move forwards.”
At its Cabinet meeting on 30 January this year, the previous administration agreed estimated costs of up to £10.5m for the total cost of the wall replacement project. Most of this, £6.5m, will come from the £19.5m awarded to Dorset Council last year. The remainder will be funded by Dorset Council and the Weymouth Harbour Authority. The project team is hopeful that the final cost will be less than the estimate.
We will hold information sessions for local people once the work has started but in the meantime, please visit our website or email [email protected]
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