Next Wave News - March 2011

The Colonnade excavations are complete with restoration commencing shortly and the Rowing Club walls are taking shape.

Phase Two - Colonnade, Rowing Club and Metropole Lawn

The contractor for phase two of the Next Wave scheme, Neilcott Construction Limited, has completed the excavation works to the rear of the Colonnade to allow for the restoration to take place, which should be starting shortly.

The demolition and rebuilding of the rowing club has been proceeding in parallel and the form of this new building can now clearly be seen.

Access to the promenade whilst works are ongoing is adjacent to the ice-cream kiosk in the west and via Channel View (West) to the east of the De La Warr Pavilion car park.

The redevelopment of the Colonnade incorporates a new coastal office. Until this is complete in June 2011, a temporary office for our Coastal Control team will be located on the promenade adjacent to Channel View (East).

Phase One - Promenade re-landscaping at West Parade

The new lighting is now fully operational and 'washes' the promenade with light in the evenings, combining well with the existing highway lighting.

The shelters are now nearing completion. They are being predominantly manufactured off-site and will be lifted in this Spring. They are timber with additional seating and will a striking visual attraction to the West Promenade.

Work with East Sussex County Council has been taking place to ensure there are safe places for all seafront visitors to cross the road. In addition to the new Clock Tower crossing area, there will be another two drop kerb and build-out sections on both sides of the road along West Parade to ensure accessibility for everyone wishing to enjoy the seafront.

The memorial plaques for the new benches will be installed in the coming weeks. We have been communicating directly with the families who wished to continue to have their loved ones remembered in this location.

We are liaising with the contractors to prepare for the completion of the resurfacing works on West Parade promenade. This work in its entirety could not be completed until the harsh weather conditions over the winter months had improved.

The fencing surrounding the lawns and planting is temporary and is in place to protect the turf and plants until they mature and should be removed late spring 2011.