Boscombe Surf Reef - Contractors have vowed to return in April to complete work

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Boscombe Surf Reef Contractors To Return In April

Contractors will return in April to complete Bournemouth's artificial surf reef according to the boss of the company carrying out the work. Dr Shaw Mead, managing director of ASR confirmed that workers currently employed on another reef project in India will be returning to Boscombe in April.

This announcement comes only days after local newspaper, the Daily Echo, revealed that council chiefs were not convinced ASR would complete the contract. Roger Brown, Head of leisure services, admitted that the council did have a plan B should the hired contractor not return.

Dr Mead stated that he had dived on the reef before leaving the site last November and declared himself happy with the reef's bottom layer which was completed before the onset of winter. He added "Our contract with Bournemouth council sees us back in Boscombe in April. May and June are usually the calmest month's and we don't want to miss them this year. It's a very exciting project; I'll be back over with the team in April."

ASR's Mark Woods, the man in charge of the construction of the reef's top layer, echoed Dr Mead's sentiments and will visit Bournemouth on February 26th. He will meet councillors and officers, carry out site visits, discuss long-term weather forecasts and arrangements for the recommencement of work. He said "I am delighted to be coming to ensure that everything is ready for work to start again on the site in the spring. ASR are committed to this flagship project - we know the world is watching and we intend to deliver."

Cabinet member for the economy and tourism, Cllr Beverley Dunlop said "I have every confidence in ASR's commitment to our reef and their ability to complete it in time and within the agreed budget." 

However, the council are liable to pay £100,000 towards ASR's costs of £300,000 for shipping their equipment back and forth to India.

The reef is an integral part of the Boscombe Spa development, the costs of which have increased by a third to £11 million. See the related article in Guide2Dorset news.