FAQs
several boreholes set up to 15m deep within the ground across the area enabling monthly recording of ground movement and water levels;
extensive topographical, utility and drainage surveys;
geological investigations;
hydrology and hydrogeology investigations;
geotechnical assessments;
routine defect inspections and the development of a risk register;
historical land use investigations;
unexploded ordnance surveys.
23/9/2023 – Information stall at Planet Purbeck by the seaside (near Swanage Information Centre) 10-3pm
06/10/2023 – Information stall at the Swanage market 8-11am
19/10/2023 – Drop in engagement event at the Mowlem Theatre show bar 4-7pm
- Soil nails and anchors around 15-20m long in places (large steel nails or anchors embedded in the ground that help stabilise the localised area)
- Granular fill (essentially replacing soft and loose ground with compacted granular material which is more stable and allows better drainage of water)
- Reinforcing some of the existing walls that are retaining the ground
- Taking down some of the existing walls and rebuilding them (using the same stone wherever possible) with new and deeper foundations and adding new drainage beneath the surface of the ground retaining walls
- Regrading of slopes (essentially making the slope less steep in places by removal of earth) and reinforcing them with a grid system buried in the ground
- Putting in bored piles at various points (essentially cylindrical concrete shapes several metres long which help stabilise the local area)
What will happen if we don’t do the scheme?
Over time there will be an increasing risk of a catastrophic ground movement. To give precise timescales or calculate the risk of this occurring at any given moment is not possible. What is evident however are the negative impacts of the ground movement that can be seen now and which will continue and increase in their impact upon the use of these spaces.
On the eastern side of all areas the impact of soil creep upon structures is evident. This can be particularly seen on Sandpit Field where the rippling and sheering edge has resulted in safety signage being placed at the seaward edge and the removal of benches from less stable locations. Paths, walls and other features in this location are visibly tilted and interventions have already taken place to level the tarmac paths. It is feasible that this soil creep will lead to the closing off for public safety of footpaths that enable access to Sandpit Field from Shore Road. Changes in the surface of the field itself are also evident and significant depressions and undulations are visible and notably changing over time. The loss of this important event space to the town would have serious consequences for the local economy and a reduction in events is likely to lead to a reduction in visitor numbers.
In Weather Station Field, the Spa beach hut area and Sandpit Field significant cracking to walls and the displacement of footpaths is evident throughout the spaces. At the corner of Weather Station Field and Shore Road, large cracks are clearly visible and heras fencing has been installed for safety reasons. Footpaths leading to the Spa from Shore Road are noticeably tilted and have been filled with concrete on the landward side on several occasions. Numerous interim repairs have been undertaken for safety reasons to stone walls and footpaths across the location and this interim expenditure is likely to provide only temporary solutions as until stabilised, ground movement will continue.
Would there be a need to stabilise the fields again in the future in either scheme?
Both schemes would stabilise the area for at least 100 years.
Why don’t you stabilise the fields and then gradually improve the area?
The ‘enhanced’ version includes regrading the slope so you can place improvements such as DDA compliant accessible paths, improved beach huts and a café.
The essential scheme would maintain the current gradient of the fields. This would not only continue to limit access for people with disabilities, it would also mean that enhancements such as new toilets or a café are not realistically possible due to the gradient of the slope means that any significant new improvement (e.g. accessible beach huts) would likely need to be dug into the slope and pre-existing stabilisation measure (i.e. retaining wall) to ensure equal access meaning you need to remove most of the stabilisation measures from the essential scheme (i.e. soil nails) and then re-stabilise that area again significantly increasing cost, carbon footprint and the length of time that area may be closed to the public
Why is this area so important to Swanage?
Sandpit Field is the one of the South Coast’s premier event fields attracting over 100,000 visitors per annum to Swanage. Events include Swanage Carnival, the largest carnival on the South Coast, Swanage Folk Festival one of the largest folk festivals in the country as well as the Jazz, Pirate and Fairy Festivals. Tourism is worth £73million to the Swanage local economy supporting 1,034 jobs within the town.
Having a premier events space so close to the beach and the town is unique and is a key reason that visitors choose Swanage time and time again.
What will be the impact of this project on Town Council finances?
Swanage Town Council’s reserves will be significantly reduced. However, funds remain available in earmarked reserves for other projects.
The Town Council will have a smaller sum of money invested which will reduce its investment income each year. However, it will also have increased income from beach huts, alongside other potential commercial income as a result of implementing other sections of the Seafront Masterplan.
The Council is currently preparing a Medium-Term Financial Plan that will set out its proposals for the next three financial years. This is likely to be published alongside the annual budget report in January 2024.
When might the work start?
A draft timescale for commencement of works has been scheduled for 2025/26. This may however be impacted by a number of factors such as the design of the agreed scheme, planning requirements, a change in the rate of deterioration of the stability of the land and funding.
Will you close Shore Road for vehicles?
The results of the Phase Two engagement for the Swanage Seafront Masterplan Swanage Seafront Masterplan | Dorset Coast Have Your Say indicated that 46% of all respondents felt that the management of traffic along Shore Road required greater focus with the most popular responses being pedestrianisation of Shore Road, making Shore Road one way and reducing parking along the seafront.
Along with the results from the initial survey this feedback has been presented to Dorset Council Highways with a view to reviewing the management of traffic along Swanage seafront in 2024.
What works have been completed so far?
Extensive ground investigation and survey works have been ongoing and since 2020 active intrusive monitoring has been taking place. This has included:
Landscape designs and costing have been produced and outline planning advice sought.
How can I have my say?
You can complete the survey either online or via the paper copies available at the Swanage Information Centre before the 31st October 2023.
Additionally, there are several engagement events where you can have your say:
Why is the ground movement happening?
Ground movement occurs due to a number of natural processes particularly on hillsides which can experience 'soil creep' where the soil gradually moves downhill. This can be precipitated by heavy rainfall and high volume of groundwater along with extreme temperatures where the soil can expand and shrink.
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Do the scheme costs include inflation?
Both the £4m and £11m schemes include an allowance for inflation and contingency costs, assuming construction in summer 2025. The allowance used is based on industry standards as advised by the engineering firm WSP.
Why is there a significant price difference between the schemes?
There are a number of reasons for the £7 million difference between the two schemes. The cost of the stabilisation features (soil pinning and retaining walls) is around 40% more expensive on the enhanced option due to a larger area and the need to allow space for the ‘plaza’ on the seafront. Earthworks amount to approximately twice the cost on the enhanced option due to the in filling in of Walrond road and other works. On the enhanced option there is significantly more paved area and the buildings account for quite a large element of the difference.
What will happen to events when/if construction is taking place?
For a number of years, the Council has worked closely with Swanage event organisers regarding the potential closure of Sandpit Field during any construction works. They have been asked to consider how they might use either Prince Albert Gardens or King Georges Playing Field for the construction period. It is clear that some events will be able to operate from Prince Albert Gardens during this time, although they may need to rationalise elements of their events.
What is the commercial and community space in the enhanced scheme?
While it has not been fully defined, it is assumed that the commercial and community space will include a catering facility or something similar, along with the ability for this to be hired out for community and or private events.
How will the ground be stabilised?
Some of the following stabilisation measures may be utilised. Please note these are not final and may be adapted/changed dependent upon the option and final design. Further details regarding the stabilisation techniques will be published in due course.
What will happen to the weather station in the enhanced scheme?
Initial discussions have been held with the Meteorological Office regarding the impact of the stabilisation works on the Weather Station. This is also the location for 2 rain gauges that are monitored by the Environment Agency. At this stage it is thought that a temporary relocation of the Weather Station to an alternative nearby location could be undertaken whilst the works are ongoing, following which it could then be reinstated.
What will happen to the trees in both schemes?
Essential Scheme
To assess the health of the trees a full arboricultural survey will be undertaken to ascertain their viability and anticipated lifespan. The landscape design does not necessitate any tree removals, but the extent of ground stabilisation work may. Endeavours will be made to retain all trees of value and to mitigate any potential losses. This will be confirmed in the next design stage.
Enhanced Scheme
As with the essential scheme, to assess the health of the trees a full arboricultural survey will be undertaken to ascertain their viability and anticipated lifespan. Due to the extensive groundworks required several trees are likely to have to be removed. However, the design will be subject to both arboricultural and ecological survey findings, and the design strategies may need to evolve to retain or translocate trees/planting of significant value. Any trees/planting that is required to be removed will be mitigated for, and steps taken to ensure biodiversity and environment net gains are achieved.