A million pound investment in Foreshore

23rd January 2017

Works have started to protect and extend the life of buildings and structures on the foreshore east of Tinside Pool.  

Council leader Ian Bowyer has authorised £1,000,000 capital investment for a programme of repairs to the foreshore which has a network of winding paths, buildings and features.  

Surveys were carried out before Christmas to pinpoint areas of concern and these are now being addressed through stabilising and strengthening works.  

Some buildings are Grade II listed and the area is designated as a Conservation Area so all work is being carried out with guidance from our Historic Environment Officers.  

Councillor Bowyer said:  “This area is popular with local people as well as tourists and wild swimmers but its closeness to the sea – with wind, rain and saltwater – means it is always going to be vulnerable.  

As part of our ongoing maintenance programme, we identified a few issues and are taking action.  

Following a more detailed survey, a programme of work has been put together which the Council hope will extend the life of these structures for another two decades.  

The Council, together with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District (BID), is working to make the waterfront a cleaner, better maintained and more vibrant destination with increased opportunities for local jobs and recreation.  

Key works include structural strengthening works, replacing roof coverings, reinstating windows and doors, strengthening supports to steps and balcony, reinstating concrete fascia and nosing to balcony and repainting to buildings.

The aim is to have the lower foreshore area including the beach open again by Easter.

It may be necessary for some of the upper pathways to remain closed for a longer period while further works are undertaken.  

Swimmers have been encouraged to use the area immediately to the east of the works area while the work is going on.  

Sarah Gibson, Waterfront Manager said “We warmly welcome the Council’s investment in the Hoe Foreshore and the city’s Waterfront heritage. This area has been a primary concern for the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and our business members. We worked in partnership with the Council to create a Waterfront Masterplan and businesses prioritised the Hoe Foreshore as a key focus for enhancement. This announcement is fantastic news!”.  

The Plymouth Waterfront Strategic Masterplan identified opportunities to regenerate the Hoe Foreshore, with pop up shops hiring out equipment for relaxation and water sports (e.g. deckchairs, kayaks, and paddle boards), leisure, culture, catering, etc.