28/11/11 Margate Flood Defences - Building work starts

Work has now started on a multi million pound landmark scheme to protect Margate Old Town from flooding.

Experienced contractors, J Breheny Contractors Ltd, who are responsible for the construction of this scheme, are now on site and will be working on the seafront until its completion in December 2012.

This major programme of work will see almost 10,000 tonnes of concrete, 600 tonnes of grout and 365 tonnes of steel piling used during construction. As well as dramatically improving flood defences for the town, the completed construction will also provide an excellent public space to enjoy views of the beach, sea and Stone Pier.

The scheme has been developed and designed carefully over the last two years by the East Kent Engineering Partnership, which includes officers from Thanet District Council and Canterbury City Council who have extensive expertise in marine construction and coast protection. The partnership is also responsible for supervising the work during construction.

Work will be carried out in four main sections, this includes:

• Strengthening of the Stone Pier
• Sea wall reconstruction of the South sea wall (Marine Drive)
• New stepped structure from the beach to the promenade
• Sea wall reconstruction of the North sea wall (The Parade)

The first phase of work was completed in April 2011 and was carried out from the Harbour Slipway to the Rendezvous.

Due to the scale of the project, the construction site will be quite large on Marine Drive and as a result some disruption is likely during parts of the works on site. The completed scheme however will have a life of at least 50 years and will provide much better flood protection to the properties on Marine Drive and in the Old Town area.

Full details of the scheme, including a schedule of the planned work and the impacts during construction are available to view online.

You can also find out more by e-mailing coastalengineers@thanet.gov.uk or calling 01843 577083.

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