Work on the harbour wall that was suspended due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has been completed with the addition of safety handrails.
The Dorset Council scheme to strengthen the harbour wall started in September and was largely complete by the end of January. Contractors Knights Brown had planned to return and install the handrail in March, but the pandemic caused disruption to the industry. The decision was taken to temporarily close a number of their construction sites. Once the situation improved the work was scheduled to restart as a priority.
Knights Brown were pleased to return and complete the harbour wall section to the rear of the guesthouses in the Devonshire Building terrace, using revised methods of work to adhere to Covid-19 government guidelines on social distancing and with enhanced hygiene measures in place.
The project began in 2016 with the council and consultants Ramboll UK engineering the design to reduce the forecasted cost from £3m to £1.2m. The scheme delivered a strengthening and repair solution that required less disruptive construction works, and still provided a serviceable life of 50 years.
The wall strengthening work included vibrating and hammering in 76 metres of sheet piles over an 8-week period, close to a number of Listed Buildings in use as guest houses. Although the work has been disruptive, the project has been complimented by some of those closest to the works.
Steve Hoskins of A2A Consulting, representing the leaseholder business group said – “The new wall sections and railings look great and the removal of the old kiosk has enhanced the area. As expected, there was quite an impact on some nearby businesses and homes during the works but the contractors have done a good job, sometimes in difficult weather. The Dorset Council Engineering Projects team and their agents, Symonds & Sampson have communicated well leading up to and during the project and they responded quickly to issues as we raised them”
The work included demolition of the red brick kiosk and widening of the landing stage, making a more open and accessible area next to the newly installed ferry steps, replacing the former steps which were determined to be unsafe.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said – “This is one of the first stages for the Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project. The aim is to rejuvenate this currently underused area. The location means that we are working in close proximity to people’s homes and businesses, and as such are keen to work closely with them to reduce the inconvenience as much as possible.
Find out more about the Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project
The project team would like to thank the local community and harbour users for contributing to the project and for being patient whilst the works were being undertaken.
