Weymouth’s crumbling sea walls are getting replaced following months of delays
A £10 million, 10-month project to replace and strengthen Weymouth’s harbour walls has finally begun
A major programme to rebuild and reinforce two of Weymouth Harbour’s main walls has begun after engineers deemed it to be in “very poor condition”.
The multi-million scheme is expected to take around 10 months and will prevent a potential structural failure that could threaten the peninsula.
The existing defences, last repaired in 1977, have deteriorated to the point where parts of the nearby car park and walkway have been fenced off after sinkholes appeared.
Under the plans, new, higher walls will be constructed in front of the current ones to provide protection against rising sea levels projected through to 2100.
Once complete, a raised public walkway will be built behind the new defences, maintaining the panoramic harbour views.
Councillor Jon Andrews warned that the repairs were critical to safeguard the future of Weymouth’s seafront.
He said: “This work is essential to maintain the harbour walls. The restoration will strengthen and stabilise the failing walls protecting the peninsula.
“We’ve designed the programme to lessen the impact as much as possible to local people, visitors and businesses, and we’re grateful for everyone’s patience.”
Work will start with the wall nearest The Pavilion, therefore entry and exit to the Pavilion car park will be limited to one lane.
A small section of the beach adjoining the harbour wall will also be closed until July 2026.
Councillor Richard Biggs said the project was vital to unlocking Weymouth’s long-term redevelopment plans.
“If we do not carry out this vital engineering programme, longer term ambitions for regeneration of this site cannot move forwards,” he said.
The work was delayed last year due to the discovery of seagrass, a protected habitat used by seahorses for breeding.
Following construction, Dorset Council plans to restore and expand the seagrass beds and monitor the site for several years to ensure no long-term ecological harm.