Islanders have been enjoying their first strolls along a newly reopened popular Isle of Wight promenade after its major repair works were mostly completed.
In November 2022, violent storms caused a 35m section of Ventnor’s Eastern Esplanade to collapse into the sea.
The works, which began in May last year, involved piling more than 150 ‘king posts’ into the foreshore, which were then backfilled and capped with concrete to encapsulate the rusting sheet piles.
On Friday afternoon (May 24), the safety barriers were taken down, marking the end of the £4.8m year-long sea defence project and restoring the important coastal route between Ventnor and Bonchurch.
Allen Best, of Besty and Spinkys Cafe Bar on Eastern Esplanade, said: “The reopening of the revetment is absolutely crucial to our business.
"Being the only flat, dry walk in Ventnor, it is a vital attraction to visitors and locals alike. We recently won The Island’s Best Cafe award and part of our charm is our location near some of the best walking routes on the Island.
"Popping into our cafe after a jaunt is a draw for so many of our customers, and I can’t wait to see more of them soon!”
Contractors have a 'few small’ remaining tasks to complete next week before beginning the five-day leaving process on Monday, June 3.
"Early drone footage revealed a horror show"
Local resident Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic director for environment and planning, said: “I visited the site shortly after we were forced to close it for public safety and was shocked at the extent of the damage.
“There was extensive voiding under the revetment with large, heavy concrete slabs seemingly floating in mid-air due to undermining by the high tides and ferocious storm surges.
"Our early drone footage revealed a horror show of rusting piles and crumbling concrete requiring us to construct a whole new sea wall.
“It was a huge job made all the more challenging by the exposed nature of the site and the relentless storms which battered the Island.
"Once again, I would like to thank the local community not only for their patience and understanding during these important works but also for their support.”
The project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Integration and Collaborative Working' category in this year’s Constructing Excellence SECBA Awards 2024.
It is also eligible for the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by a public vote.
To cast your vote, visit the voting site HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Cllr Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, added: "I know Ventnor is facing some major challenges at the moment, but the reopening of Eastern Esplanade is a step in the right direction.
"Ahead of the bank holiday weekend and with summer on the horizon, I would like to send out a clear message that Ventnor is very much open for business.
"If you're an Islander, please come and rediscover this beautiful seaside resort, right on your doorstep. If you're a visitor, make sure Ventnor, famed for its microclimate and glorious views, is at the top of your itinerary.
"With its beautiful shingle beach, eclectic mix of vintage shops, antique stores and galleries, outstanding eateries and, of course, its rich artistic heritage, Ventnor really is the place to be."
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