AROUND £1million is expected to be spent strengthening a section of harbour wall between Weymouth’s town bridge alongside the former borough council offices.

Dorset Council has been advised that the repair and strengthening for the 235-metre section wiill be less costly than a complete re-build, and should extend the life of the wall beyond 2060.

Part of the work is also likely to include a raising of the height to deal with anticipated higher sea levels in 35-40 years’ time.

The estimated cost has been put at £800,000 excluding VAT.

Dorset Council says it intends to keep costs down by using the Hanson company as they will also be responsible for the demolition of the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices.

Said a report to the next Cabinet meeting (Sept 5) :“Utilising the services of one contractor for both the North Quay demolition work and the Wall 4 repair and strengthening work simultaneously, will not only save time and costs, but will also be less disruptive to the public.”

Councillors are being asked to give approval that some of the work, to the masonry, will start as soon as possible, either on a temporary of permanent basis, as a depression which has appeared in the footpath indicates that fill material behind the wall has been loosen, or flushed away.

The main works are expected to be undertaken in a year to three years’ time.

An engineering report say that the wall is at, or near, the end of its useful life although many of the sections are still capable of being repaired or strengthened. Its condition is better than some other harbour wall areas mainly because it is some way from the direct action of the sea or the berthing of large vessels.

Some sections of the wall show clear signs of cracks with plants growing in some areas, further weakening the structure.

No details of the schedule are available at this stage but, as with other harbour wall repairs carried out in recent years, it is likely that the footway will need to be closed, possibly for short sections at any one time, with the road also likely to be affected as machinery is brought in. Boats berthed near the area are also likely to have to move for at least part of the duration of the project.

Photos – Sections of the wall in need of repair and strengthening – Trevor Bevins Illustration – Aeriel picture of Wall 4 running from the town bridge past the former council offices. Courtesy Dorset Council.