3 May 2018
Job done!
Today was my first proper viewing of this since its completion and I must say, despite the well-known concerns about the cost and even the necessity for the work, it does look excellent. The header picture on this page shows the view looking along the new promenade towards the Noisy Lobster.
Speaking to a few people, it met with general approval. The only criticism was that the seat backs do not extend the full length of the seats, as can be seen in the picture below. Perhaps it is work in progress; or maybe it’s a modern, trendy design!
Notice the seat!
Click for a larger picture – 2000 x 1500px, around 1.2mb. Opens in a new window, See below for the promenade in proper use!
They were published in the Christchurch Times on May 3, and it is worth buying the paper to read the rest. If a link is published online, I will add it. Here are four comments about the promenade. The responses of nine people were published, of which eight approved of it.
- It is nicer now than it was before. There is now a much wider space to walk along. It needs to stop with this though or it will get too much.
- I think it definitely needed doing down there at the beach. I also think what has been done has definitely improved the situation, so it is a positive.
- I support it 100%. It is important for the local community and tourists that we make sure it is maintained. It ensures everyone is kept safe as well.
- There are sections of the tarmac below the timber which isn’t great. The work dragged on for a long time and I have my doubts about it.
- Finally, here is the Echo report, giving more information, and a picture below taken a few days later.
Finished promenade, and perfectly on time: Enjoying the beach and prom on a hot Bank Holiday Sunday, 6 May. Notice the light sand cover. Large picture available, click.
23 April 2018
Getting there! The promenade is half finished, and people are able to walk along it, instead of having to use the beach. This is the latest update:
The current situation from the Council. No larger size
And here are two views, looking towards and away from the shop. Larger versions of these available.
Looking towards the Noisy Lobster and shop
Looking from the Noisy Lobster and shop
22 February 2018
Further to yesterday’s article (below) today’s Echo has published an update on progress.
Half of the project will be open for Easter, with the remainder by April 9th. As I had guessed, the weather is the cause of the delay. Cllr Margaret Phipps wrote:
‘The weather we saw in recent weeks has been exceptional, and it’s not surprising the work has been delayed slightly.
I’m proud of the work our officers and contractors are doing to make sure as much of the Avon Beach promenade is open for business on time, and that access for walkers has been maintained along the beach throughout the works.’
You can see the full article here.
21 February 2018
Around a month since the last update (scroll down). It is still not finished, as the pictures below and at the top show. They’ve had to paint over the finishing date on the sign. In each case click the picture and then click at the bottom for a larger version, 2000px wide.
Not finished yet though the weather has been bad, with snow twice this year.
However, the men are certainly working hard.
Excavating (1)
Excavating (2)
Quite a task, quite a depth!
If you compare the picture above with those at the earlier stage (further down) you can see that it has been quite a project!
19 February 2018
They’ve been working hard! The development here is obviously a massive project, as you can see from the outline and schedule in the first picture below. The header picture shows the view along the beach, with the promenade closed. It should all be finished by the end of March. In each case, click for a full-size version (2100x1500px, around 700K).
Poster showing the plan. Click for a clearer version.
They are working along the length of the development. Below is the view from the shop.
View from the shop entrance
A better view of both of the machines, working in glorious harmony:
Moving the sand
This is the other end of the works, just before you get to the end – or the beginning, when you’re coming from the other direction! You can see something of the foundations, if you click and look at the larger picture.
Working at the other end, facing towards the east
25 January 2018
Well, the work has begun. Thursday morning was fine and sunny and there were lots of people and dogs on the beach. As you can see from the video, the promenade is closed, though you can still walk along the beach parallel to it.
Click to watch the video – opens in a new window
Approaching through the car park, the beach huts have been placed in hibernation, sometimes watched over by a very large lorry. As usual, click the images for a full size version.
Still busy on a sunny day!
You can still relax, perhaps with a snack
As the driver of an ordinary little Ford car, it had been impressive to see the same lorry being reversed just by the bookshop and the Noisy Lobster. Take my word for it, it was extremely tight!
Careful!
The work on the promenade should be finished by March 25, followed by the replacement of the beach huts during the following week.
There is an article in the Bournemouth Echo here.
10th January 2018
On Monday, January 22, the work to raise the promenade at Avon Beach will begin. The lower promenade is to be raised by around 90cm, and it will also be widened. It should be completed by the Easter Bank Holiday (30 March).
The work is taking place to protect the coastline. Although the cost is now considerably more than the original estimate of £300,000, Cllr Margaret Phipps said, “It’s imperative that we do all we can to protect our distinctive coastline in Christchurch. We are proud of our council’s ongoing coastal protection programme and I look forward to seeing these works completed.”
This week the beach huts are being removed. Although that section of the promenade has had to be closed, it is still possible to get through by using the beach, though it does now require a minor scramble! Click the pictures below for a larger version.
There is an Echo article here.
