News

Poole's beautiful harbour and it's surroundings will celebrate the grand opening of the new Sea Defence Wall on Poole Quay on 11 September.

With sea levels predicted to rise, the Old Town and surrounding area is at risk of flooding. The floodwalls on the quayside, combined with the new breakwater that forms the Boat Haven will provide local homes and businesses with protection against extreme weather conditions in the harbour.

Howard Davidson, Environment Agency Area Manager, said, "We are delighted to have completed yet another sea defence on the Dorset Coastline. Changes in climate may well be bringing stormier weather and the new defences offer far greater protection than before to properties and people in Poole."

The new Sea Defence Wall has provided an opportunity to further enhance the Quay by incorporating eye-catching features in the form of sculptures on the 14 granite pillars which are at access points along the wall. Artist, Simon Read and Stonemason, Leon Russell were specially commissioned by the Borough of Poole to produce artwork which depicts images that reflect Poole's history. The artwork, themed 'Memories and the Tideline', includes the imprint of boots worn by US troops and spent ammunition cartridges that were used during the D-Day landings, together with "fleur de lys" badges commemorating the first Boy Scout camp on Brownsea Island and mythical dolphins.

John Biggs, Conservation Officer, Borough of Poole said, "We hoped to make the wall like one long bench, using the shape of a wave we wanted to create discrete and intimate spaces on both sides where people can relax enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the Quay."

The scheme, costing £600,000, was approved by the Avon and Dorset local flood defence committee and funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency and the Borough of Poole.

Councillor Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment and Prosperity, said: "This project is a positive achievement for the people of Poole and will ensure that we can feel protected against the effects of stormy weather that our harbour waters sometime see. It is a pleasure to see the clever combination of an important structure with public art and I am sure that local people will appreciate and enjoy its benefits."

For further information a leaflet on Poole Town Quay Sea Defences is available from the Environment Agency, tel: (01392 444000).