Project overview

Due to significant ground movement and slope instability three areas in Swanage need to undergo essential ground stabilisation works in order retain them as integral spaces along the seafront. These include Sandpit Field, Weather Station Field, and the ‘Spa’ beach hut area.

There has been significant monitoring to determine the nature and impact of the ground instability. Evidence of the ground movement is visible if you visit the areas concerned, which show large areas of uneven ground and significant cracks in both retaining walls and in the footpaths. Swanage Town Council are now monitoring over 40 ‘defects’ in these areas.

Whilst it is not able to determine when a significant ground movement may occur as this depends on a wide range of factors, it is clear that there are consequences of inaction, e.g. risks of increased dereliction and costs of temporary/emergency works. Therefore, the essential stabilisation works are scheduled for 2025/2026 and there may be an opportunity, as presented in the Swanage Seafront Masterplan, to significantly enhance these areas, whilst retaining them as a premier events field and key green space. This would ultimately be dependent upon funding.

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Portland Underhill to Wyke Regis FCRM Strategy project extent and key locations.

Project overview

Sea-floor erosion, combined with the localised movement of stone blocks due to wave impact on the outer harbour wall and the deterioration of the structure on the inner harbour wall, have seen significant destabilisation of the structure.

It is predicted that the functionality of the Cobb as a breakwater would end in the 2040’s, potentially resulting in the loss of the harbour, and over 100 residential and non-residential properties will be at increased risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

The project aims to stabilise the Cobb to maintain its status as a breakwater, a coastal flood and erosion defence and a safe harbour for many different types of vessels and businesses.

It is being proposed to strengthen and stabilise the structure which may include construction of a low-level concrete toe foundation strengthening wall along with tension piles to anchor the inner harbour walls.

Design options have been extensively reviewed by the project team and the wider statutory authorities including Historic England, Marine Management Organisation, and the Environment Agency. The project team are currently reviewing the scheme design options with a view to come to a preferred option that can be presented to stakeholders and the public. The preferred design will have a material effect upon construction timeline and therefore the project team is not in position to comment upon the construction programme at this time.

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Project overview

In storm events or high tide and easterly winds, the town centre’s current defences suffer from waves overtopping the sea wall. This is an ongoing issue and has diverse implications for Swanage, impacting the environment, businesses, and tourism.  The impacts of these events on Swanage have demonstrated the need for improved protection. 

Dorset Council in partnership with the Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Swanage Town Council are looking at options for coastal flood defences to help protect the town of Swanage.  

The scheme aims to provide a permanent flood defence scheme to Shore Road and the Mowlem Slipway area, The Square, The Parade and Lower High Street. This central location currently relies on seasonal emergency temporary flood defences which are deployed each winter by the Environment Agency to help protect the town from high tides and storms.   

Dorset Council’s Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Team (FCERM), supported by JBA Consultants are leading the progression of a single scheme and an outline business case which will be submitted to the Environment Agency to bid for government funding for the scheme.   

If funding is obtained, there will be further consultation with community and specific groups as the project develops. Design proposals for the flood protection scheme will be shared through direct contact, structured workshops and open community consultation events led and facilitated by Dorset Coast Forum on behalf of the project.  

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