THE public is being invited to have their say over latest plans to save parts of Swanage seafront from collapse, which could see Shore Road close to traffic.
Swanage Town Council said major stabilisation works are needed to address ongoing ground movements across the Green Seafront.
Areas at risk include Sandpit Field, Weather Station Field and The ‘Spa’ beach hut area.
The council unveiled plans in 2023, but it has now launched a new option that it is seeking feedback on.
The new £6.5 million option features:
• An enhanced and expanded event field achieved by filling in Walrond Road.
• Improved accessibility throughout the area.
• A new accessible seafront plaza with accessible toilets and a kiosk café.
• Improvements to the Spa area including new beach huts and accessible beach chalets.
• Additional landscape planting to support wildlife and biodiversity.
Four options are also being considered for the northern section of Shore Road by Dorset Council, which could align with the Green Seafront works.
This includes a full closure of Shore Road, a partial closure with a one-way system, the removal of parking and maintaining the current layout.
The public are encouraged to compare a new option with the essential option from 2023.
The proposed general arrangement plan of the latest proposal Picture: Dorset Coast
READ MORE: Have your say over ‘essential works’ to shore up Swanage seafront
Tina Foster, Mayor of Swanage, said that since the last public consultation, the town council has worked with Dorset Council and Dorset Coast Forum to further develop proposals based upon feedback.
“The officers and councillors have discussed the results and used these to shape this round of public engagement,” she said.
“One key aspect of the feedback concerned pedestrian safety and access on Shore Road.
“We are pleased to have been able to work closely with Dorset Council to develop the options. This has provided additional expertise and resources to achieve the best for Swanage.
“The seafront is really important so please take the time to engage with us. The town council wants to hear from you.
“Thank you to everyone who engaged in the survey the first time, this has been hugely helpful, and we hope you will engage again.”
This informal engagement runs until late June. Results will be shared with Swanage Town Council and Dorset Council.
Preferred options will be subject to further formal consultation related to planning permission and changes to traffic regulations.
The stabilisation works are expected to begin in Autumn 2026; however, this is subject to change.
Councillor Jon Andrews of Dorset Council said: “Community input is vital as we move forward with these proposals for the Swanage Green Seafront and Shore Road.
“This is a great opportunity to influence major projects that will shape the future of Swanage for generations.
“These projects are about creating a safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
“I urge everyone to take part in this consultation—your voice matters, and together, we can create a Swanage that reflects our shared vision.”
Elaine Snow, project officer for the Dorset Coast Forum, said: “Swanage is a vibrant town with a unique green space right next to the beach. While stabilisation works are crucial, this consultation offers the community a valuable chance to shape the future of this beloved area.
“The new option reflects feedback from the 2023 consultation to include new features. We’re also seeking input on Shore Road proposals in line with public views from previous consultations including the Seafront Masterplan.”
The consultation can be found by clicking here.
Engagement activities will take place throughout May and June, including:
• May 30- pop-up at the Swanage Market (8am to 11am) and then on the same day outside Co-op (12.30pm – 2.30pm)
• Drop-in community events: June 3 at the Focus Centre from 10am to 2pm, June 4 at The Mowlem from 3.30pm to 7.30pm
Further details of the options and survey are available at www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/swanage-green-seafront-stabilisation
Visit the website here: www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/swanage-green-seafront-stabilisation
Shutdown shore road! It is ridiculous it’s open right by the beach
More pedestrian areas means higher revenues for local businesses – more people who stay for longer
No more lidl. Rubbish supermarket rubbish food and actually high prices compared to sainsbury! Lidl already building in a totally inappropriate location in Sandford which will destroy greenbelt destroy habitat of the resident wildlife which are now being evicted by ecologists😒 plus increase the already huge traffic issue on sandford road. Lidl not welcome. We should be protecting our wildlife and green belt but oh no let’s just build another pointless supermarket😔.