Work to extend Hove beach to begin as part of coastal scheme

Thousands of tonnes of shingle are set to be pumped to fill a new groyne field, extending the area of beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue in Hove by around 25 metres out to sea.

The works, part of the Brighton Marina to River Adur Coastal Defence Scheme, will begin on August 3, and will use dredged shingle from the English Channel to extend the beach and reduce flood risk.

A large dredger positioned about 700 metres offshore will pump the material between the groynes.

A flotation device was pictured last week laying a 700m pipe in preparation for the works (Image: Submitted)

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "This is a really exciting phase of the scheme.

"It’s going to be great to see the barge offshore and the new shingle being pumped onto the beach.

"The completed groyne field is going to ensure the homes and businesses here are better protected from climate change, rising sea levels and storms.

"We’ve seen for many years the impact storms can have, with tonnes of shingle washing up onto the promenade.

"This will help massively to reduce that and keep the prom accessible for everyone."

The works are expected to take around four weeks and will need to be carried out around high tide.

The section of the beach will be closed for the duration of the project to keep people safe.

The construction of nine new timber groynes has already been taking place since the start of the year.

The groynes will become largely buried beneath the replenished beach, with only the upper sections remaining visible.

Joris Jipping, project manager at Van Oord, which is managing the project, said: "We are proud to work alongside Brighton & Hove City Council on a scheme that will make the Hove seafront safer, stronger and better prepared for the future.

"The new groyne field and shingle recharge will not only help reduce flood and erosion risks but also enhance the beach for residents and visitors to enjoy."

Ahead of the works, a community beach clean has been organised for July 28, beginning at 7.45am.