Stokes Bay Seawall

Stokes Bay Seawall Replacement Project

BACKGROUND

The Stokes Bay seawall and promenade constructed during the 1970’s has experienced several failures over recent years despite Gosport Borough Council investing in routine maintenance.

In February 2022, the low height seawall to the east was unable to withstand the effect of Storm Eunice. As a result, substantial damage to a 135m section of the seawall was caused.

The damage consists of uplifted promenade slabs, voids under the promenade with some collapsed sections and fractures throughout the sea defences. The area is currently fenced off to protect public safety. 

Immediate emergency works were completed to make the area safe, which included breaking any promenade concrete slabs with voids underneath, putting up additional fencing and adding shingle to provide additional support. 

The next step is to replace the failed section of coastal structure, promenade and protect the Stokes Bay Road and associated infrastructure.

PROJECT UPDATE – May 2023

Funding

Financial contributions for the project have been secured from Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire Highways, which have enabled progress to date.

Following completion of the detailed design the original construction budget was reviewed. This has identified a funding shortfall preventing the project progressing into construction.

The increase in construction cost is attributed to hyperinflation within the construction sector and an increase in the length of the seawall requiring replacement following Storm Eunice.

The project team are currently reviewing funding options and will be able to deliver the works in 2024 if additional funding is secured.

Stokes Bay East Planning and Marine Licence application – in progress

We are currently in the process of finalising the environmental reports needed to support a planning application and marine licence required for the project.

Detailed design - completed

Detailed design of the replacement seawall is complete and consist of a replacement sheet pile wall in front of the failed seawall, new promenade, car park and amenity area reinstatements, drainage reinstatement to Alverbank East Car Park and safety improvement works.

NEXT MILESTONES

  • Stokes Bay East Planning / MMO Application Submission - 2023
  • Secure additional funding required to deliver the works in 2024
  • Production of Construction tender documentation - TBC
  • Stokes Bay East Seawall Construction - TBC

LONGER TERM VISION FOR STOKES BAY

Given the high costs associated with ongoing maintenance and limited extent of the proposed replacement works, it is clear that a longer-term strategic solution is required at Stokes Bay. Coastal Partners have scoped the requirement for a Stokes Bay Option Appraisal and Outline Design Study and been successful in bidding for a £200k grant from the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee to progress these studies over 2 years, starting in 2021/22. The project team have also secured contributions towards a proportion of the study from Hampshire County Council and GBC. These studies will consider the future sea defences for the whole of Stokes Bay from the perspective of flood and erosion, transport, tourism, heritage and the environment.

Stokes Bay Study