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
Work is scheduled to start in mid-winter 2024/2025 and is likely to take between 10 and 12 months. The works 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.
Work will start at the beach end of the harbour wall, opposite the pavilion, and will progress around the Peninsula towards the harbour. This is to minimise disruption as much as possible for beach goers next summer.
Temporary traffic lights will 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 north eastern 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 an interim raised public 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 want to 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.