Resort's revamped seafront open

The seafront project is expected to be finished by 2010

The first phase in the £29m project to improve Weston-super-Mare's seafront will be officially opened later.

Work at Marine Lake has included the rebuilding of the causeway, installing new sluices, replacing steps with ramps and dredging the lake.

North Somerset Councillor Elfan Ap Rees said: "This opening marks an important first stage in our plans to regenerate Weston's seafront."

The project has been awarded grant funding of £27.5m from Defra.

New sea wall

"With the restoration of Knightstone Island now virtually complete, work on the next stage of the promenade enhancements is soon to get under way," said councillor Ap Rees.

"These are as exciting times for Weston as it must have been when the Victorians first created the resort from a row of fishing cottages surrounded by sand dunes."

The seafront enhancement project involves the substantial upgrading of the promenade and the sea wall from Royal Sands to Marine Lake.

It is hoped it will provide a boost to the tourism trade and economic prosperity of the area, as well as protecting 4500 properties and businesses from flooding.

Phase Two of the project involves a Scour Protection Apron or "toe" of the sea wall being constructed.

The third phase (strengthening of the existing sea wall, a secondary 'splash wall' at the rear of the promenade between Knightstone and the Grand Pier and upgrading of the surfacing, street lighting and furniture along the promenade from Marine Lake to Royal Sands) is still being designed and will be brought before councillors in the summer, for work to begin in 2009.

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

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