Southwold Promenade Refurbishment

This work was undertaken by Team Van Oord in partnership with the Environmental Agency and Waveney District Council.

The work on the coastal frontage at Southwold comprised the construction of rock and timber groynes; the refurbishment of the promenade and beach nourishment. A flood embankment was also constructed to defend Southwold from "back-door" flooding from the nearby Blythe estuary. Disruption to local residents and businesses, was minimised by undertaking the works along the coastal frontage during the winter and spring months.

Undertaking the works during these months proved challenging due to the poor weather conditions and low beach levels. The impacts of this were mitigated by the planning of sea deliveries of rock and the building of temporary roads to provide safe access along the beach to the working areas. Sensitive areas of coastal grassland were protected throughout the duration of the project.

The construction programme was planned to minimise disruption to local businesses, in particular those on the adjacent promenade. Priority was given to construction activities where their completion would enable partial opening of the working area for access to the public and businesses.