The imminent completion of works to improve sea defences and repair the seafront at Lowestoft in Suffolk will be marked with a ceremony at 12.00pm today (10 March).
Mackley carried out the £3.5m coastal protection scheme at Lowestoft’s South Beach on behalf of a partnership comprising Waveney District Council, Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency and DEFRA.
Featured in an ITV Anglia news report, the key aims of the project were to protect the seawall from wave action through the installation of a new rock revetment, and then prevent the public falling onto the rocks by installing approximately 400m of hand railing along the promenade.
The works have also created a sustainable amenity beach by constructing an offshore breakwater, and providing vehicular access to the beach for future maintenance. Finally, a beach recycling operation has restored beach levels to cover the toe of the old sea wall.
With the scheme approaching completion, the promenade and majority of the beach is due to reopen to the public.
Councillor David Ritchie, Deputy Leader of Waveney District Council, said: “These essential works will restore access to a popular part of the seafront and offer protection to this stretch of coastline for future generations.”
To mark the completion of the works and re-opening of the seafront, Waveney MP Peter Aldous and Council Leader Colin Law will unveil an information board on the seafront on Thursday 10 March.
The board, located at the top of the new beach access ramp created as part of the scheme, will provide details of the beach works for future visitors.
Talking to the Lowestoft Journal, Peter Aldous MP said: “This should be seen as an important milestone in the regeneration of the seafront which is one of the unique selling points for Lowestoft. The seafront is a significant part of the Lowestoft experience and a real asset for the town.”
Members of the public are invited to attend the short unveiling ceremony, which begins at approximately 12noon.
10 March 2016
