Poole | Posted on May 27th, 2026 | return to news

Flood defences for Poole get underway

1.5km of new infrastructure from Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill is to be constructed to prevent flooding to Poole town centre.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is to put in place measures to prevent Poole being adversely affected by rising sea levels.

The council is working with the Environment Agency on preparations for the construction of 1.5km of new infrastructure from Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill.

More than 570 properties currently face a present-day flood risk and, if nothing was done, this figure would rise to more than 2,000 properties over the next 100 years.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment & Energy at BCP Council, said: “The eastern side of Holes Bay is the last remaining undefended waterfront in the town centre and this work is a major milestone to improve flood resilience for the people who call Poole home now, and in the future.

“There is a high and present-day risk of tidal flooding, so sea walls will need to be raised at intervals to keep pace with climate change and rising sea levels.

“In addition to planning conditions and regulatory requirements, Holes Bay is a highly protected area due to the presence of migratory birds, breeding fish and seahorses, which restricts when and how works can be undertaken. The project delivery team, along with our partners, has been working to finalise approvals and deliver these important defences within the available environmental working window.

“The project delivery team will continue to work with those with land interests directly impacted by the scheme to progress agreements prior to construction, and we will be keeping residents updated.”

Ground-raising works at Slip Way (Zone C), between the RNLI buildings, were completed in July 2025.
Preparation for the next phase of the scheme alongside the A350 / Holes Bay path and Lifeboat Quay (Zone A) started on 18 May.

Knights Brown was appointed to construct Zone A in August 2025. Mike Crook, divisional director, said: “To carry out the preparatory activities safely, a temporary lane closure on Holes Bay Road (A350) will be reintroduced and we thank the local community in advance for their patience.

“To minimise disruption to pedestrian and cyclist commuters along the Holes Bay path, we intend to keep it open for as long as possible. However, when the path becomes part of the construction site, access will be restricted and the safe diversion route will be reinstated via Sterte Green. We urge everyone to use this alternative route for the safety of all path and road users.”