The preferred option to improve the main seafront road in Swanage to make it more attractive and safer for pedestrians is being considered by Swanage Town Council on Monday 23 February 2026.
Following public engagement led by Dorset Coast Forum in 2025, we have chosen to keep two-way traffic while removing on-street parking to create wider footways, introducing a 20mph speed limit and delivering public realm improvements.
The two-way traffic option was favoured by the public during the engagement.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, Dorset Council, said: “This proposal came after the Town Council asked us to look at ways this focal part of the town can be improved.
“Residents, businesses and visitors have commented over the years how they would like to see this area improved so people walking along the seafront can enjoy the beautiful surroundings even more.”
The public engagement asked people to consider four options for the northern section of Shore Road: full vehicular closure except service and emergency vehicles; one-way closure with south-bound traffic only; two-way traffic with parking removed; or, do nothing (retain as it is).
The engagement took place between 1 May and 29 June 2025. There was significant response from the public with over 1,400 survey responses received and 460 people attending engagement events.
See full details of the Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation and Shore Road Enhancement
Go directly to the engagement report here
Cllr Andrews continued:
“We are grateful to everyone who shared their views, their feedback has been invaluable in shaping a design that will improve safety and reflect local priorities.
“Retaining two-way traffic while creating a safer, more attractive environment for pedestrians strikes the right balance for this popular seafront location.
“We thank Dorset Coast Forum for carrying out the engagement and Swanage Town Council for their co-operation and enthusiasm throughout.
“We look forward to working with the Town Council and the community as the project moves into the next stage.”
As part of the engagement, people were invited to comment on the proposed options. Suggestions raised that will be taken to the next design phase include: widening the promenade; using high quality materials; reducing street clutter to improve accessibility; providing nearby disabled parking and dedicated pickup points.
Other ideas focused on the wider area will be explored and include proposals for better visibility at the Northbrook Road junction with Victoria Avenue, safer crossing points on De Moulham Road and clearer wayfinding signage – particularly to Main Beach and North Beach car parks.
Estimated costs for delivering the improvements are around £2.5 million, subject to refinement as design progresses.
Formal consultation will take place during autumn/winter 2026.
To minimise impact on the highway, the Shore Road works will be aligned with Swanage Town Council’s Green Seafront Ground Stabilisation project, meaning the construction start date will depend on the final timelines for that scheme.
