It's very busy at West Bay at the minute, with a huge multi-million pound flood defence scheme underway.

On top of that, nine weeks' work to revamp a busy public space started on Tuesday.

The area outside The George pub is being redeveloped.

The works, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF), will see the old concrete flower beds demolished on the turning circle and new surfacing and bespoke, artist-designed seating, which will follow in the coming weeks.

During the works, an area of The George car park will be closed to the public and there will be no motorcycle parking available in George Square, as it will be cordoned off. Alternative motorcycle parking at East Pier will be provided at weekends and bank holidays only. Dorset Council has requested motorcyclists 'respect the signage in place and find alternative space in the main car parks at other times.'

Project lead, Sally King, from Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), said: “We would like to thank businesses, residents and visitors for their understanding and patience whilst the works are carried out. It’s unfortunate that some disruption is inevitable for a large project like this, but the team have worked hard to minimise it where possible. We think the re-vamped space will be well worth it when it’s finished, and will provide a lovely space in the centre of West Bay to soak in the atmosphere of everything this beautiful area has to offer.”

The project team for these works is liaising with Dorset Council and the Environment Agency, which is also working in West Bay, to 'make sure the combined works create as little disruption as possible to the residents and businesses of and visitors to West Bay.'

Elsewhere, the Environment Agency and what was West Dorset District Council are working on new multi-million pound sea defences at West Bay.

The schedule is as follows: 

  • East Beach – installation of a buried solid rock core April – June 2019 
  • West Beach – construction of a new rock groyne     April - June 2019 
  • West Beach – importing extra beach shingle         May - June 2019 

Improvements to the River Brit bank along Parkdean Holiday Park have been designed and are included in the planning submission. The council hopes these improvements will go ahead later, once funding has been agreed between the council and its tenant. These will then take place over the winter period of November 2019 – February 2020.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

WORK: Flood defence improvement scheme at West Bay

The contractor’s main site compound will be on the car park behind East Beach. A secondary compound will be located at West Beach. There will be restricted areas for public access at each beach during construction, and these will be clearly signposted. Beach marshalls will be recruited from the local community to assist with managing public access and maintaining public safety at all times.

Concerns have been raised about the amount of work being carried out at the resort at the same time.

John West, of the West Bay Discovery Centre, said: "There has been concern locally about what the impact of so much work going on at the same time will be. However, the decisions were made some time ago, so now all the parties involved need to do their best to make sure the works are completed quickly and safely. The flood defence scheme, in particular, is very important to West Bay and will help safeguard business and residential properties from the impact of future storm events."

Drop-in sessions are held fortnightly, between 1.30-4.30pm, at the Salt House to keep residents and visitors informed of the flood defence works.

The next take place on:

  • Monday, April 29
  • Thursday, May 16
  • Thursday, May 30