New plans to protect and restore life to some of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s most-loved coastal assets are set to be discussed by councillors.
The proposals would improve the accessibility of the seafront, bolster the safety of Bournemouth Pier, and help protect the coastline.
Funded through an existing £19.9million allocation from Government, the proposals look to make the funding go further by investing in more seafront assets than originally planned: helping improve public safety and coastal resilience.
Under the proposals, around £5million would remain allocated to Bournemouth Pier. This investment will fund the removal of the deteriorating timber landing stages - a longstanding concern for residents and a priority identified through specialist engineering advice - while also delivering essential structural repairs to some of the pier's most vulnerable sections
Since the funding was first awarded, further engineering inspections have identified new priorities at East Cliff.
These new plans would allow the Council to respond to those challenges by directing investment where it can have the greatest impact for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said:
These proposals are about making every pound of Government funding go further for our communities.
“A multi-million pound package of works to Bournemouth Pier is being prepared and will aim to protect one of our most iconic landmarks for years to come.
“At the same time, we have an opportunity to do more. By investing in East Cliff we could help restore access to areas of the prom and clifftop that are currently closed off, protect vital infrastructure, and make our coastline safer and more resilient to future challenges.
“Our coastline is one of the area’s greatest assets and this investment would make it safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone long into the future.
Funding allocated for major stabilisation works at East Cliff is designed to protect the coastline long into the future.
Following a series of landslips, parts of the promenade and clifftop remain inaccessible. The proposed works would help stabilise the cliff, reduce the risk of future slips, and restore access to these areas.
As well as improving safety, the improvements would reduce the likelihood of future repair works and support the re-opening of seafront facilities.
The proposals will be discussed by councillors at BCP Council’s Cabinet meeting on 2 September.
