I am writing to update you on the planned coastal maintenance works at Avon Beach to Highcliffe Beach. After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the main beach maintenance works for operational reasons.
Essential work to improve marker posts around the groynes will continue over the summer, helping to maintain safety for beach users. The planned works to protect the coastline are expected to be delivered later in the year.
These works remain important to safeguarding Christchurch’s coastline for the future and delaying the programmed works allows them to be carried out at a time when they can be delivered with less disruption.
We recognise how important this stretch of coastline is to local businesses, residents, community groups and visitors, and we appreciate your understanding.
We will keep you informed directly on further updates.
Kind regards
Simon
| Simon Hills CEng, MICE (he/him)SW Flood & Coastal Asset Manager South West Flood & Coastal |
A shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council
From: Coastal
Sent: 22 May 2026 15:26
To: Coastal <coastal@bcpcouncil.gov.uk>
Subject: Christchurch Beaches maintenance works : June – mid July 2026
On behalf of the BCP Flood & Coastal Team, we would like to share details of some beach maintenance works that will be taking place at Christchurch Beaches from 1 June. The prom and beach will remain open, but this info is for your awareness that some sections of beach will be temporarily cordoned off for safety whilst local works are underway. Further details below but if you have any queries, please do get in touch.
What’s Happening?
Beach maintenance works to strengthen existing coastal defences will be taking place on Christchurch Beaches including;
- Groyne strengthening: a number of existing groynes will be strengthened with new Purbeck rock armour. The rock will be brought to site by via road.
- Groyne Markers: failed markers will be replaced.
- Beach recycling: a moderate amount of built-up beach material will be moved westward from Highcliffe to nearby beaches. The scale of the beach recycling will be determined by beach profiles at the time of the works.
These improvement works will cost £380,000 funded by a Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee grant and supported by BCP Council and Christchurch Town Council funding.
When will the works take place?
Works will begin week commencing 1 June 2026 and are expected to take up to 7 weeks, depending on weather and tides.
We anticipate completion in mid July, ahead of the school summer holidays. Normal working hours will be between 7am-7pm on weekdays.
The works are tidal, so some working outside of these hours may be needed to make use of the best available low tides.
Safety & Beach access
The beach will remain open throughout the works but some areas may need to be temporarily cordoned off for safety. There will be machinery movements along the beach and rock stockpiles required throughout this time. We’ll be asking visitors to follow on site safety signage, keep away from machinery and works and keep dogs on leads.
Why the works are needed
The strengthened groynes will help to effectively retain beach material, slowing down the natural process of longshore drift from west to east.
Communications
We will install on site information boards and sharing posters (pdf attached) via our stakeholders to make residents and beach visitors aware of the works.
Our project webpage has further details and will capture our progress, supported by social media coverage.
If you have any queries, please do get in touch.
With many thanks for your support
Kay
| Kay Kitcatt Engagement Officer tel. +44 1202 127926 / 07977 259277 South West Flood & Coastal |
A shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council