Work set to start on £10m sea wall project

Construction work on the first phase of a multi-million pound project to replace Morecambe’s wave reflection wall is due to start on November 2.
An artists impression of the promenade following the works to the sea wall. Photo credit:  Atkins.An artists impression of the promenade following the works to the sea wall. Photo credit:  Atkins.
An artists impression of the promenade following the works to the sea wall. Photo credit: Atkins.

Built in the 1980s, the wall, which runs the length of the promenade and protects about 12,000 properties from flooding, has started to deteriorate and needs to be brought back to a good standard.

The £10m project is taking place in three stages and this first phase will see the replacement of 1,800 metres of the wall on Marine Road East between Lord Street and Happy Mount Park, incorporating new surfacing, seating and lighting.

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Coun Janice Hanson, c abinet member with responsibility for economic regeneration, said: “This is an important project for Morecambe. We have worked closely with our contractor to minimise the disruption during works to enable two-way traffic to be maintained at all times.

One of the new up and over sections. Credit: Atkins.One of the new up and over sections. Credit: Atkins.
One of the new up and over sections. Credit: Atkins.

“We will be liaising with those property owners ahead of the work and any footpath or promenade closures will be properly signposted with diversions when required.”

The contractor for the first phase project is VBA, which is a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins.VolkerStevin’s sister company VolkerBrooks is also working on casting for the wall.

Mark Gardner, framework director for VBA, said: “The project will bring an important and timely replacement to the wave reflection wall and also improve the quality and appearance of the promenade for all. It’s going to be a fantastic project for Morecambe and will reduce the risk of flooding which will benefit the public greatly – we’re delighted to be working on it.”

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Work is due to be completed on phase one by spring 2017 and all properties on the promenade will be kept up-to-date with regard to the phasing of the work and when it will affect them. As the work progresses up the promenade from the town hall there will be a need to temporarily move the bus stops along the prom so services will not be disrupted. This will be clearly signed and advertised by the council and the bus companies.

If you are a property owner in the area and you have a query please contact the project publicliaison officer, Glenn Harrison, via email [email protected] or call 07876 876488. Alternatively contact the city council on 01524 582375 or email [email protected].

Subsequent phases will focus on the Marine Road West area from the Midland Hotel to the Battery and the Sandylands Promenade area. The work is expected to last up to six years. The stretch of promenade between the town hall and Midland Hotel is not included as this area is protected by alternative sea defences.