Go-ahead for £29m seafront revamp

The next stage in a £29m project to improve Weston-super-Mare's seafront has been approved.

Phase two has been designed to prevent the tide undermining the existing sea wall between Knightstone and the Grand Pier in the Somerset town.

Stepped pre-cast concrete units will be buried beneath the beach.

In areas where the apron will be above current beach levels natural stones will be inset into the surface, creating seating in places.

Splash wall

The first phase at Marine Lake began in August 2007 and is due to be completed by the end of April 2008.

It has included the rebuilding of the causeway, installing new sluices, replacing steps with ramps, realignment of the beach and dredging the lake.

An opening event at Marine Lake is due to take place on Saturday 3 May.

The project has been awarded grant funding of £27.5m from Defra's Flood Defence Grant in Aid, £1.2m from the South West of England Regional Development Agency through the Civic Pride project, £250,000 from the Wessex Regional Flood Defence Committee, and £150,000 from the Joint Local Transport Plan.

The third phase is still being designed, but is expected to and will be brought before councillors in the summer.

This could include strengthening the sea wall and upgrading street lighting.

The whole seafront enhancements project is expected to be finished by 2010.