HARBOUR walls in Weymouth built almost 50 years ago are set to be replaced – with a section of beach to close during the work.

Dorset Council has confirmed a “significant programme of work” in early 2025 to replace the two main harbour walls which support the peninsula in Weymouth.

It is set to take around 12 months to complete, the council said.

“Recent inspections show the walls of the peninsula to be in very poor condition,” a spokesperson said. “As such, they need to be replaced urgently to prevent failure.

“The current walls, known as walls F and G, were constructed in 1977 by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

“These will be replaced with new walls which will be installed in front of the existing wall.”

The new walls need to be higher than what is currently in place to protect the peninsula from predicted sea level rises until the year 2100, they said.

Once the wall replacement work is complete, a raised public walkway will be built behind them on the peninsula, to ensure the panoramic views over the walls are maintained.

Cllr Jon Andrews, the council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “Unfortunately, not doing this work is not an option. Dorset Council has a duty to maintain its harbour walls and if we choose to not replace these walls soon, the strength and stability of the peninsula is at risk.

“A section of the car park and walkway has already been fenced off at the far end, as minor sink holes have appeared above where the wall is already failing.

“This work will be very much dependent on weather and sea conditions, and we’ve designed the programme to lessen the impact as much as possible to local people, visitors and businesses.

“We hope that by making this announcement so far in advance, residents and businesses have as much notice as possible ahead of work starting. We are very grateful for everyone’s understanding and patience.”

The first phase of work will start on the wall closest to the beach, by the pavilion, with temporary traffic lights in place opposite the Pavilion forecourt to keep the public, contractors and machinery safe.

Access to and from the pavilion car park will be restricted to one lane and a small section of the beach which hugs the harbour wall will be closed to the public for this part of the work.

The restrictions are expected to be in place until the end of May 2025.

Cllr Richard Biggs, cabinet member for assets and regeneration added: “Dorset Council has ambitions to create a collaborative, long-term vision for Weymouth, building on the town’s unique identity.

“Government funding of £19.5m is helping Dorset Council to bring forward several sites across the town which will deliver a mix of dwellings, including an appropriate element of affordable homes, together with suitable commercial enterprises that encourage economic regeneration.

“If we do not carry out this vital engineering programme, longer term regeneration of this site cannot move forwards.”

At a Cabinet meeting in January, the previous council administration agreed estimated costs of up to £10.5m for the total cost of the wall replacement project.

Most of the total – £6.5m – will come from the £19.5m awarded to Dorset Council last year. The remainder will be funded by Dorset Council and the Weymouth Harbour Authority, with the project team hopeful the final cost will be less than estimated.

Information sessions are set to be held for residents once the work is underway, the council said. In the meantime, people can email any questions to weymouthharbourwalls@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.