The base layer of Bournemouth’s innovative artificial surf reef is approximately the size of a football pitch and is now complete. The 37 specially designed geo-textile bags that create the base layer have been anchored to the sea bed and pumped hard with more than 7,000m3 of sand.
Further to the confirmation last week that the weather was continuing to cause problems, Bournemouth Council and ASR Ltd have now agreed to suspend construction for the winter, as the shorter days and winter weather do not permit long enough working sessions for safe and effective construction on this major underwater project. ASR has agreed that they will set up back on site next April, when weather conditions are more favourable again.
Difficult weather conditions over the summer months brought about a later than anticipated start to the project, with the first bags being deployed on-site on Friday 29th August. This has inevitably had a knock-on effect to the anticipated completion date, and ASR Ltd believes that the expected weather conditions over the winter months will make it impossible to complete the reef this year, as originally planned.
Dr Shaw Mead of ASR explains: “Although conditions recently have been good and the base layer has been completed to design, the late start to construction has really set us back. The days now are short, the sea temperature is getting colder and there are stronger currents, meaning we have to limit the amount of time our divers can spend underwater.”
He continued, “With the crucial base layer now complete and the onset of winter weather, it makes good sense to pause now and allow the base layer to settle into the sea bed.” He concluded, “We are all looking forward to returning next year to complete this innovative, landmark project for the Council.”
The ASR team have now packed up their equipment and are set to return in April 2009, with completion by September 2009.
Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism said, “We are really pleased that this pioneering regeneration scheme is not being held back by the recession. A new seafront venue is being created on our doorstep which will continue to boost the local economy for decades to come.
She continued, “Our commitment remains as strong as ever. I’m delighted that we’ve reached this significant milestone by continuing the land-based elements and completing the base layer of the reef. I know that many residents and in particular the local surfing community, Boscombe traders and hoteliers have been watching this fascinating project closely and are as keen as I am to see it completed. But I also know that they recognise that this is a long-term investment and will share my determination to get this right and bring a reef to Boscombe that the town can be proud of, and bring the economic and regeneration benefits.”
The sand required for filling the remaining bags was obtained as part of the beach replenishment programme in 2008 and will remain on the beach over the winter period. It will be stockpiled on a small section of the beach at the reef site in the spring, ready for the filling of the top layer. The bags for the top layer will be securely stored over the winter.
For information and updates on the Boscombe Spa Village regeneration programme and the surf reef visit www.bournemouth.co.uk.
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