Exmouth Sea Wall Protection Project Progresses to Second Phase

The second stage of constructing a steel barrier along the Exmouth seafront, a Devon resort, has commenced. Steel panels are currently being installed in Exmouth as part of a £3.3 million initiative to safeguard the town’s deteriorating sea wall. The initial phase, which involved replacing 90 meters (295 feet) of the wall situated in front of the Sideshore development, started in March. The current second phase focuses on a 150-meter (490-foot) stretch of the wall, extending to the Harbour View cafe. East Devon District Council (EDDC) has expressed its aim to finalize the project prior to Easter 2025. According to the council, these repairs are intended “to strengthen this vulnerable section of the sea wall for the next 100 years.” During the construction period, the pavement on the beach side of Queen’s Drive and a single lane of the road are subject to closure. EDDC confirmed that the beach will stay accessible, with barriers in place to maintain a secure distance between the public and the ongoing construction. A public consultation regarding the ultimate aesthetic of the new wall, presenting options such as cladding, is anticipated for spring 2025. The sea wall developed cracks in August 2023. Geoff Jung, who serves as the cabinet member for the environment at East Devon District Council, indicated that the undertaking was essential for the town’s protection. He explained: “Because the sea wall was built without any foundations some 100 years ago, we’ve now found the sand levels have reduced, undermining the sea wall.” Jung further stated that without the installation of the steel wall, the sea would “degrade the road” and lead to “flooding affecting buildings on the sea front.” A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, from 14:00 GMT to 19:00, at Exmouth Town Hall, allowing residents to contribute their views on broader beach management strategies for the locality. Sandra and Kevin Bowden, encountered walking their dog on Exmouth beach, expressed a preference for the steel pilings to be faced with stone, akin to existing sections along the beach. Mr. Bowden commented: “It’s a bit unattractive at the moment, but I think it would be nice if they carried the stone through so it matches with the rest of the sea wall.” Mrs. Bowden added: “It doesn’t have to match but, aesthetically, it needs to look not quite so industrial.”