A project will soon be helping to protect a key part of the city from flooding and erosion.
A planning application is being submitted on Friday 11 October to build a new groyne field on the beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue, extending the beach by approximately 25 metres out to sea.
The new timber groynes will be supported by filling the bays between each groyne with thousands of tonnes of shingle, taken from a licensed dredging site in the English Channel.
The field will help slow the movement of shingle along that part of the coastline, helping to protect the area from flooding and erosion. It will also reduce the amount of shingle which washes up onto the promenade during storms and high tides.
If approved, work is scheduled to get underway in 2025 and scheduled to finish in summer 2026.
Brighton & Hove relies on its beaches to protect it from flooding and erosion. Without action we risk damage to homes and businesses and put the safety of our residents and visitors at risk.
Work has already been done to build two rock armour revetments, a protective layer of rock, adjacent to Basin Road South. A new sea wall has also been built near the Hove Deep Sea Anglers Club.
The new timber groyne field will comprise of 9 new groynes constructed on the beach between Hove Street and Medina Terrace.
Between the groynes, shingle would be used to fill the space in between, extending the size of the beach out to sea.
You can see what will be done by watching the video below.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm, said: “This project is vital in helping to protect the city from the long-term risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
“The impact of climate change means we need to act against rising sea levels to protect homes and businesses. The new groyne field and wider beach will help to do that and significantly reduce the amount of shingle that washes up onto the promenade every year.
“This will mean a more accessible prom and a larger beach for our residents and visitors.”
Picture: A computer generated image of what the new, extended beach will look like
The work is part of a long-term project, called the Brighton Marina to River Adur Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme.
Working in partnership with Adur District Council, Shoreham Port, the Environment Agency and the Western Esplanade Management Company, its aim is to improve our coastal defences along a 10km stretch between Brighton Marina and the River Adur.
It’s primarily funded by the Environment Agency, however all the partners have an interest in maintaining the frontage, and so are also paying a proportional amount for their respective frontage.
Climate change has caused our sea levels to rise and an increase in tidal surges and stormy weather conditions.
If you’d like to know more about the ongoing work, check out the Virtual Engagement Rooms.
