Work to start on Plymouth's West Hoe pier
Work is due to start on the Plymouth’s historic West Hoe Pier to enable people to use to it safely once more.
Divers have already carried out underwater surveys ahead of the work starting on the Grade 2 listed pier.
A detailed programme of work has been drawn up by Plymouth Transport and Highways the partnership between Plymouth City Council and Amey) which will involve installing new stone as well as pouring concrete inside the structure which has suffered serious erosion from the sea.
Some of the steps on either side of the pier will also have to be rebuilt and extensive repairs carried out on parts of the harbour wall that have collapsed.
no call out fee and no fee to price a job its free,
Contact: 01752 781832
Valid until: Sunday, June 02 2013
Over the last few years, the pier has deteriorated to such an extent the eastern side was made out of bounds to the public. Now the aim of the project is to make the structure stable again and re-open it with full access to residents, and visitors. The western part of the harbour has also had to be closed.
The Council has set aside £750,000 from its capital programme to fund the scheme, which is expected to be completed by early winter.
The stone will have to be taken to the site from the roadside and the construction work is dependent on the tide as well as the weather.
The Council has been in touch with local businesses on the waterfront to discuss how contractors can minimise disruption to their business. The Waterfront pub and eating house, the Wet Wok and West Hoe café will remain open for business.
Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Our waterfront is extremely important to the city and the local visitor economy, although most people will appreciate the fact that we will always be fighting time and tide on this one.
“However, this is an historic pier and we want people to be able to enjoy it again."
Throughout the construction process, parts of the harbour will be closed off.
For more information and updates on the project as it progresses visit www.plymouth.gov.uk
Comments
by GreenGOM
Friday, June 01 2012, 5:41AM
“At last some work is taking place on the sea front. Tourism and education are the future for Plymouth so this is where the financial focus must be. Good start PCC.”
by PL1Plym
Friday, June 01 2012, 3:25AM
“@leroc. Yeh fair point about the seaweed. I get where you are coming from now.
In fairness the Council (which ever one) for many years keeps the sea pool at Devils Point clear during the summer. It's emptied at low tide and Council workers clear it out as best they can with the time they have. I'm sure the same could be done there over a few days at low tide.
I just almost cry at the lack of vision the city has had for decades when it comes to the whole of the Hoe, West Hoe and foreshore areas. Yes great if your visiting and the sun is shining AND the tide is in but the city could do SO much more with it.”
by blondieee92
Thursday, May 31 2012, 11:07PM
“I find this very contradictive! So we had the story of the deteriorating house on the water front yesterday and the council are moaning at them for it, but its okay for them to let the hoe get into such a state that it is not deemed safe?”
by newplymouth
Thursday, May 31 2012, 9:12PM
“@The Mercenary
Well said! Too many Whingers around! Why are some people in Plymouth always so negative?
I don't know but could the cruise ships use a new pier it could bring a lot of new money to Plymouth
Seems a great opportunity to me!”
by TheMercenary
Thursday, May 31 2012, 6:54PM
“All I need to do now is buy one of those new apartments that are going to be built at the end of Pier Street and sit back and enjoy the view. Something else for the whinging lot down there to moan about now eh? They won't be able to see it from their houses once the flats are built. Shame. The initial plans for the pier look brilliant. Can't wait.”
by Peter20113
Thursday, May 31 2012, 6:44PM
“@leroc
A "planned maintenance programme". This is Plymouth and those three words have not been in PCCs dictionary for a number of years now”
by NICKERS
Thursday, May 31 2012, 5:58PM
“Off subject. Work seems to have stopped completely at the former Dome building. Gary Rhodes said at the start of the year it would be open in the summer. Does anyone know what the problem is or perhaps he as changed his mind.”
by leroc
Thursday, May 31 2012, 4:17PM
“PL1Plym
I agree that I wouldn't call it a pier but that is what the article says - it's a harbour but without the boats. As for the seaweed on the concrete slab, it has taken years for the seaweed to grow on it and I am sure if it was cleaned off now it would remain clear for quite a few years.
I agree with your general point about the neglect of the Hoe foreshore and I would not object to my council tax being spent on improvement. Unfortunately without a planned maintenance programme things deteriorate very quickly and become very expensive to put right, e.g. the Civic Centre.”
by nothalf
Thursday, May 31 2012, 4:05PM
“spot on PL1”
by PL1Plym
Thursday, May 31 2012, 3:14PM
“@ leroc. Umm. Still not sure if it a "pier". But anyway. If you clear the seaweed then what happens is something called "the tide" comes in and replaces what was cleared. I'm sure you would be the first to moan at your Council Tax being spent on this.
Yes I'm sure it could do with a bit of TLC as well as the area I mentioned. OR how about spending a few million tarting the whole of The Hoe making the most out of this outstanding natural wonder that Plymouth has had and ignored since the year dot. Any modern progressive city would have used this asset and milked it YEARS AGO, making the city somewhere worth visiting..... Just a thought!”