Work commences at Granny's Bay
Work has recently started at Granny’s Bay, as part of the £22m coastal protection project along the Fylde coast.
VBA, a joint venture between VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been awarded an extension to the contract to redevelop Granny's Bay. On completion, this work will provide new coastal defences and upgraded promenades at Fairhaven, Church Scar and Granny's Bay.
Work at Fairhaven and Church Scar remains on programme.
At Fairhaven the necessary carpark drainage has been completed, more than 60% of the precast units have been installed and the promenade installation has begun. At Church Scar the team have already completed the new street lighting and promenade balustrade.
Church Scar and Fairhaven will open to the public at the end of March 2020, however the new car park at Stanner Bank will remain closed to vehicles until the work at Granny's Bay completes, this is scheduled for December 2020.
Mark Cronshaw, framework director at VBA, said: “We are very proud of the work we’ve done in partnership with Fylde Borough Council along the Fylde coast and are delighted that we will be completing work at Granny’s Bay. This work will provide new coast protection as well as an upgraded promenade. Once completed, over 2,400 properties will benefit from the new flood defences”.
Councillor Roger Small, Chair of the Operational Management Committee for Fylde Council, said: “This is the final piece of the jigsaw and will mean that we have a wonderful new foreshore, pleasing to look at and use as a recreational resource, as well as providing shoreline protection. I am grateful to the team who have worked tremendously hard to secure this investment for the Fylde.”
Councillor Thomas Threlfall, the Council appointed representative for the Fairhaven and Church Scar Sea Defence project board, said: “We are excited to be able to provide a seaside resort in Fylde fit for the next century. A lot of work has gone into including Granny’s Bay into the sea defence upgrade as one project, rather than requiring a return of contractors and upgrades for this area at later date. I would like to personally thank the project team, VBA and the Environment Agency who continue to work successfully together to deliver the project.”
The Sea Defence Project is replacing the sea defence walls, as the existing coastal defences are time expired and have been failing. The current concrete coast defences were built in the 1890s and have been undergoing emergency repairs every year to prevent a major breach.