West Cliff
In response to a significant landslip on 19 October 2024 which resulted in the displacement and damage of 16 no. beach hut structures on the promenade; BCP Council, together with Civil Engineering Consultant WSP, are undertaking detailed surveys and investigations of the area. The surveys will give us a full understanding of the stability of this part of the cliff and enable the design of a detailed cliff stabilisation scheme.
In the meantime, short-term interim works are required to the cliff slope. These works will be undertaken by CAN Geotechnical and are scheduled to start in September 2025 and take 7 - 8 weeks to complete.
These form an interim approach to reduce the risk of undermining to the mid-slope infrastructure (concrete beam and wall), prior to the implementation of a permanent stabilisation solution.
The interim works consist of:
Slope protection works in the location of the cliff lifts including clearance of light vegetation from the rail steps/terraces, clearance of drainage weepholes and installation of tiltmeters to monitor movement of the slope.
Trial pit investigations to the western slope adjacent to lift as it is suspected that this part of the cliff has been infilled with imported material which could have caused the cliff slip. We need to identify the extent and nature of the fill for future protection works.
Stabilisation works to the existing ground beam on the slope including installation of dowels and soil nails as well as dry spray concrete installed to stabilise the slope.
Installation of tiltmeters on the cliff face between Durley Chine and West Cliff Zig Zag to monitor movement of the slope.
A geotechnical Inspection on the cliff face at Canford Cliffs involving hand digging of trial pits for investigation.
Access During Works
During this period, parking along St Michael's Road has been suspended and a section of promenade has been isolated. This is to ensure public safety as well as to facilitate access for consultants and contractors to the slip area.
At promenade level, a temporary walkway will remain in place around the cordon to enable access.
Ecological Considerations
The area of the slip is within the Higher-level Stewardship agreement for Bournemouth Cliffs, which means that the council manage the area for nature conservation.
Careful consideration of plant species will be made during the restoration of this area, once works have been completed to stabilise the slip.
The Bournemouth Goats do not graze the areas where there has been cliff slips in the past.
+East Cliff
In response to the significant landslip that occurred in April 2016, along with further minor slips of November 2024 and January 2025. BCP Council, in collaboration with Civil Engineering Consultant WSP, has been carrying out comprehensive investigations of the affected area to develop a detailed design for a cliff stabilisation scheme.
Design works are progressing well and further information on the program will be provided in due course.
Access During Works
At the promenade level, the current safety cordon will remain in place until the cliff stabilisation scheme is completed.
Ecological Considerations
The cliff slip area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed for nature conservation. As part of the stability project careful consideration will be given to the reinstatement of plant species, ensuring that ecological integrity is maintained.
The Bournemouth Goats do not graze the areas where there has been cliff slips in the past.
Project Details
- West Cliff - Design: WSP - Geological Technical Design
- West Cliff - Client: BCP Council
- West Cliff - Contractor CAN Geotechnical
- East Cliff - Design: WSP - Geological Technical Design
- East Cliff - Funding: UK Government
