Historic Morecambe promenade set for £10m makeover

A multi-million pound project to replace a wave reflection wall in Morecambe, potentially safeguarding businesses and homes in the town against flooding, is due to start on Monday (November 2).

VBA, a joint venture between Preston engineering firm VolkerStevin, dredging contractor Boskalis Westminster and North West construction company Atkins, will deliver the work on the first of three phases.

VolkerBrooks, a sister company of VolkerStevin, will produce casting for the wall.

Mark Gardner, VBA’s framework director, said: “The project will bring an important and timely replacement to the wave reflection wall and also improve the quality and appearance of the promenade for all.

“It’s going to be a fantastic project for Morecambe and will reduce the risk of flooding which will benefit the public greatly – we’re delighted to be working on it.”

Constructed in the 1980s, the wall spans the length of the Morecambe promenade and protects around 12k businesses and homes.

Phase one of the £10m project, which is being jointly funded by Lancaster City Council, the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will see 1,800m of wall between Happy Mount Park and Lord Street replaced, in addition to new seating, lighting and surfacing.

Cllr Janice Hanson, the city council’s cabinet member responsible for economic regeneration, commented: “This is an important project for Morecambe. We have worked closely with our contractor to minimise the disruption during works to enable two-way traffic to be maintained at all times.

“We will be liaising with those property owners ahead of the works and any footpath or promenade closures will be properly signposted with diversions when required.”

Work on phase one is due for completion in Spring 2017.

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