Fylde Coastal Protection Scheme Begins

Work has begun on a two-year, £17.5 million coastal protection project along the Fylde coast.

The work is a partnership between Fylde Council, VBA and the Environment Agency to replace the current concrete defenses in poor condition along the two mile stretch between Fairhaven and Church Scar at Lytham St Annes, which would have required yearly emergency repairs to prevent a major breach.

VBA, the main contractor, is a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, who specialize in designing and constructing sustainable flood and coastal defenses throughout the UK.

Richard Birchall, project manager at VBA, said: “The coastal protection works are much needed improvements that will provide added resilience and support economic growth in the region. We are pleased to contribute towards the reduction in flood and erosion risk that will benefit communities and businesses by safeguarding homes, schools and the surrounding infrastructure.”

The project begins with the installation of sheet piles which will be carried out by piling specialists VolkerGround Engineering, to secure the foundations for the new concrete retaining wall.

The earthworks are then due to start at the end of February to establish the temporary route at Church Scar to enable VBA to begin the removal and replacement of the existing retaining wall.

VBA will begin the second phase of works at Fairhaven Lake towards the end of 2018. This will involve upgrading Stanner Bank car park, replacing the retaining wall and refurbishing the existing outfall drainage from Fairhaven Lake to the sea.

The project is due to complete in 2020.

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