Boscombe surf reef - contractors to start work again

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There is great relief now that the team charged with building Europe’s first artificial surf reef  in Boscombe have returned.

Council officers had admitted previously that they had a contingency plan in place in case the team from ASR failed to return to Bournemouth to finish the specialist marine project.

Thankfully, the contingency plan is no longer necessary as the team is currently back in the resort and is working off-site setting up equipment and preparing the webbing.

The weather is now the major factor as to when the contractors can get back in the water. Should next week bring the appropriate wind, wave and tide conditions then work will restart straight away, with completion due in September.

The project managers, who have been blasted for the way in which the scheme has ended up overdue and millions of pounds over budget, have welcombed the news of the restart.

The Dorset project was originally calculated to cost £1.359 million but will end up costing £3.03 million, and the entire Boscombe Spa Village  project has gone up in price from £8.291 million to £11 million.

Cabinet member for economy & tourism, Cllr Beverley Dunlop said: “The team is back, the equipment is here, the sand is ready. All we need is some good weather and the right sea conditions. I am looking forward to seeing the team back in the water to complete our long awaited surf reef.  Boscombe seafront is already coming alive and with the completion of the surf reef  it will really turn Boscombe and Bournemouth into a water sports destination enjoyed by everyone.”

Refurbishment work of the Overstrand building is also progressing well. This will be home to a restaurant and café called Urban Reef and a Sorted surf shop and surf school, which are due to open next month.

The retro beach huts designed by HemingwayDesign are also due to go on sale next month.