WORK to repair the harbour walls on Weymouth Peninsula- costing an estimated £10 million - is set to take a year to complete, Dorset Council has announced.
A 'significant programme of work' to replace and strengthen the two main harbour walls which support the peninsula will start early next year and is likely to take between 10 and 12 months to complete.
The project will be mainly funded by the £19.5 million Levelling Up Fund received by Dorset Council from the government in 2023.
It has been estimated by the council that the restoration will cost £10.5 million, with the rest of the project to be funded by Dorset Council and the Weymouth Harbour Authority.
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Recent inspections of the the walls have show them to be in a 'very poor' condition and need to be replaced 'urgently' to avoid failure.
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.
Cllr Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services has said that not doing the work is 'not an option,' with the walls last being replaced in 1977.
They will be replaced with new walls which will be installed in front of the existing wall and will be higher to protect the peninsula from predicted sea level rises until the year 2100.
A raised public walkway will be built behind the walls on the peninsula, to ensure the panoramic views over the walls are maintained.
READ: Dorset Council 'frustrated' by quayside regeneration delays
Cllr Andrews said: “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 also be in place opposite The Pavilion forecourt.
READ: How the £19m levelling up money will be spent in Weymouth
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.
The work is part of a greater project to regenerate the waterfront economy of the town with work having already taken place across the town.
This includes the demolition of the former council offices and the restoration of the harbour wall at North Quay
READ: North Quay council offices finally demolished
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.”
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