We have a duty to repair and replace 2 seawalls which support Weymouth Peninsula. The walls are to the Northeast (Wall F) and Northwest (Wall G) of the existing car park.
Why we are doing this work
The current walls are showing signs of deterioration, and may soon fail without intervention. If we do not act now the walls will eventually fall, meaning the Peninsula may be at risk of collapse.
By carrying out the work now, the Peninsula will be structurally sound for a further 70 years.
How we will repair and replace the walls
Unfortunately the start date for the work has been delayed and is now scheduled to start in July 2025. We estimate that it is likely to take between 10 and 12 months to complete. The work will take place between 7:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday with no work on weekends, or bank holidays.
The work involves installing a new sheet pile wall immediately in front of the existing walls. Large, specialist machinery will be used to install these new sheet piles. To minimise the impact of the noise of the machinery, a pile that can be vibrated into the ground, instead of hammered, will be used. However, some noise and vibration is unavoidable. We’re working closely with our Environmental Protection colleagues to ensure this project meets the required standards.
We fully recognise that starting such an engineering scheme in July is not ideal, but we must start this work as soon as possible to protect Weymouth from predicted sea level rises.
We will do all we can to minimise disruption to beach goers this summer. Contractors will start at the end of the Peninsula, as far away from the beach as possible. Work will then progress towards the beach over the autumn and winter months.
The work involves installing a new sheet pile wall immediately in front of the existing walls. Large, specialist machinery will be used to install these new sheet piles. To minimise the impact of the noise of the machinery, a pile that can be vibrated into the ground, instead of hammered, will be used. However, some noise and vibration is unavoidable. We’re working closely with our Environmental Protection colleagues to ensure this project meets the required standards.
Temporary traffic lights are likely to be in place while the work at the pavilion beach end of the wall is carried out. This is because access to and from the pavilion car park will be restricted to one lane.
Part of the pavilion car park will be fenced off during the work, mainly to the north and northeastern end of the Peninsula. This is so machinery can be stored safely, and so construction workers can have space for a welfare unit.
The new walls
The new walls will be higher in places than the current walls and so raised viewing points and a walkway will be constructed once the sheet piling work is completed. This will allow the unobstructed views of the sea and Jurassic Coast to be maintained.
Long term aims
The long-term aim for the Peninsula is to eventually build on it with a mix of attractive residential, commercial and community led spaces. This was a key part of our 2022 Levelling Up bid for funding to help regenerate Weymouth’s Waterside Economy for which we were awarded £19.5m in 2023.
Plans for the development of the Peninsula have not been drawn up at this stage. However, no future development will be viable if we don’t carry out the essential wall repairs now.
Further information
We will work closely with the town council and the local community to ensure people are kept informed at every stage of this project. If you wish to contact us about anything related to this scheme, please email us.