Regeneration and Tourism Overview & Scrutiny Committee:
16th March, 2006
AGENDA ITEM 9
CENTRAL AREA COAST PROTECTION WORKS
1.0
Matter for consideration
1.1
The Committee to receive a presentation on progress on the Central Area Coast
Protection Scheme.
2.0
Recommendation(s)
2.1
To receive a presentation and note the progress on the Central Area Coast Protection
Scheme.
3.0
Summary of key issues
3.1
Expenditure for the Central Area Coast Protection scheme was approved by the
Executive on 15th June 2005, following the earlier approval for the scheme on 17th
November 2004, and the subsequent confirmation of the grant approval from the
Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The DEFRA grant for the whole of
the works over a four year period is £62.3m, and further expenditure to deliver the
profile of the seawall to meet the aspirations of the Masterplan was approved at
£9.5m, giving a total cost for the coast protection works of £71.8m. A bid has been
submitted by ReBlackpool for the funding required for additional construction costs
associated with the headland alignments, and for enhanced finishes to the parade
areas over and above that which is eligible for funding by DEFRA.
3.2
The scheme will replace the seawall and aprons and provides for the treatment of the
parades area and the construction of a secondary wall to the west of the tramway. This
will prevent flooding onto the tramway and Promenade carriageway for the length
between the Sandcastle and Cocker Steps.
3.3
The contract has been awarded to Birse CL under a partnering arrangement and the
first phase of the works commenced in August 2005, between Waterloo Road Slade
and Manchester Square, with a programmed completion for this phase of April 2007.
3.4
The design of these works utilises precast concrete units for the stepped aprons and
the wave return walls, which increases the quality of the finished works and reduces
risks in the construction process within the tidal zone of the works.
3.5
Under the partnering contract, a dedicated casting yard has been established on a plot
of land at Thornton Cleveleys for the production of the precast concrete units, which
are then transported to the site and placed into position.
3.6
The use of the precast concrete units also improves construction efficiency at site and
reduces noise and dust to the benefits of the local businesses and residents.
3.7
Prior to the Committee meeting, Members will be invited to visit the precast concrete
casting yard and to inspect progress of the works on site adjacent to Waterloo Road
Slade.
3.8
A short presentation will be given at the Committee meeting on the development of the
scheme, design of the works, and integration of the Central Area Coast Protection
scheme into the Masterplan proposals for this section of the Promenade frontage.
4.0
Witnesses / representatives
4.1
As requested by the Committee members, the following persons have been invited to
attend the meeting to speak on the matter:
 John A Shaw – Head of Technical Services
Relevant officer:
John Shaw
Tel: 01253 476150, email: john.shaw@blackpool.gov.uk
Appendices attached:
None
Background papers:
None
Websites and e-mail links for further information:
None
Glossary:
DEFRA – Department of Food and Rural Affairs.