Council helps fund works to stop seafront collapse

A council has agreed to help bridge a funding shortfall to stabilise a green public space at a seaside resort.

Dorset Council is to contribute £2.5m towards a £6.9m scheme to stabilise the Green Seafront in Swanage which is suffering from ground movement.

It has also pledged £2m for highways improvements to the main beach seafront road, on top of £500,000 already committed.

Construction is expected to start in early autumn 2027, with completion ahead of the 2028 summer season.

The Green Seafront scheme, led by Swanage Town Council, consists of Sandpit Field, Weather Station Field and the Spa beach hut area which have been suffering from cracks in retaining walls, uneven ground and erosion.

The area hosts an estimated 100,000 visitors each year to events, including Swanage Carnival.

Dorset Council's Shore Road project will also improve safety and accessibility with wider pavements, improved crossings, traffic calming measures and removal of on-street parking.

Place services councillor Jon Andrews said: "Swanage's Green Seafront is a hugely important part of the town's identity and it's vital that we act now to safeguard it for the future."

Ward councillor Gary Suttle said: "This is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect and enhance the long-term future of our seafront."

The next steps involve detailed design, planning and procurement.

According to Dorset Council, tourism in Swanage is worth about £77m a year and supports more than 1,000 jobs.