Joint venture VBA is set to start work next week on the first phase of a multi-million pound project to replace Morecambe’s wave reflection wall.
VBA, the joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins, is the main contractor for the project which will also see VolkerStevin’s sister company VolkerBrooks working on casting for the wall.
Built in the 1980s the wall, which runs the length of the promenade and protects approximately 12,000 properties from flooding, has started to deteriorate and needs to be brought back to a good standard.
Mark Gardner, framework director for VBA, said “The project will bring an important and timely replacement to the wave reflection wall and also improve the quality and appearance of the promenade for all.
“It’s going to be fantastic to be involved in a project for Morecambe that will reduce the risk of flooding which will benefit the public greatly – we’re delighted to be working on it.”
Ian White, general manager for VolkerBrooks, said: “As a local contractor, we are really pleased to be working on this very important project for Morecambe Bay. We’ll be casting for six months for the first phase and producing more than 700 precast concrete units for the wall itself so it is a large scale contract.”
Work is due to be completed on phase one by Spring 2017.
Coun Janice Hanson, Cabinet member with responsibility for economic regeneration, said: “This is an important project for Morecambe. We have worked closely with our contractor to minimise the disruption during works to enable two-way traffic to be maintained at all times.”
The £10million project is taking place in three stages and this first phase will see the replacement of 1,800 metres of the wall on Marine Road East between Lord Street and Happy Mount Park incorporating new surfacing, seating and lighting.
Subsequent phases will focus on the Marine Road West area from the Midland Hotel to the Battery and the Sandylands Promenade area. In total the work is expected to last up to six years.
The project is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency and Lancaster City Council.
For further details visit the project website www.lancaster.gov.uk/wave-reflection-wall
Work on the first phase of a multi-million pound project to replace Morecambe’s wave reflection wall being carried out...