Looking towards next summer, people visiting beaches in Poole and Bournemouth will be able to enjoy the luxury of more sand.

Eight beach areas from Southbourne to Poole will be topped-up with sand from next January as part of the Poole Bay Beach Management Scheme, which is designed to make the coastline more climate resilient.

In combination with the seawall to protect the cliff toe from erosion, beach management is required to maintain a beach profile capable of withstanding extreme storm events. This is provided by renourishing the beaches with material dredged from an offshore licensed area, which must closely match the native beach.

This £7.5 million project, which is being carried out by Boskalis Westminster Ltd, will see around 350,000m3 of sand being pumped ashore (using a pipeline) and distributed by bulldozers. The locations requiring a top-up include Solent Path to St Catherine’s Path, Gordon’s Corner to Fisherman’s Walk, Portman Ravine zig-zag, Boscombe Pier, East Cliff, West Cliff to Middle Chine and either side of Shore Road in Poole.

Work to renew four timber groynes is also underway this winter from the Poole / Bournemouth boundary to Middle Chine by contractors Suttle Projects Ltd.

Cllr Mark Anderson, Cabinet portfolio holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste commented, “We are delighted to have been awarded this significant investment from the Environment Agency earlier in the year for these essential works in Poole Bay. Without it, properties, highways and supporting infrastructure would be lost to coastal erosion. As part of our commitment to a sustainable environment, it’s important that we protect and enhance our outstanding natural environment for future generations to enjoy, which is why these works in Poole Bay are so important now.”

As the works are carried out, areas of the beach will be closed for safety reasons, but access along the promenade will be maintained. Alumhurst Road carpark will remain open.

Dates for the work to be carried out in the specific areas will be published nearer the time. It is anticipated all works will be completed by spring 2021, subject to weather conditions, tides and working arrangements based on latest COVID-19 guidance.