Work is about to start on Maryport’s new Boardwalk which will link two key destinations in the town.
The new stretch of accessible pathway will join the town’s promenade and harbourside, crossing the sandy area known locally as La’al Harbour.
Contractors will start on site on Monday 4 September and will fence off the beach so the public are protected from the works. This fencing will be moved, as required, to accommodate the tides. A diversion will be in place along Strand Street which runs parallel to the Boardwalk’s route.
The project is expected to take around three months to complete. The Boardwalk is part of the transformation of Maryport’s public realm using money from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
There was a public vote to decide the colour of the Boardwalk – they chose a ‘sand’ colour for the decking which is made of a very strong glass reinforced plastic material with a honeycomb structure so water won't pool on it. This decking is already used around the world in environments where safety is a priority and very strong non-slip surfaces are required.
The structure will be built on driven concrete piles which have been designed to withstand potential high tides. A robust steel framework grid will be attached to these foundations, on to which the decking panels are securely fastened. The decking materials have been designed by structural engineers to be safe and accessible.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“This is a really great scheme which will give a proper link, for the first time, between Maryport’s historic harbour and the very popular promenade.
“It is only a small development but the Boardwalk is a key part of the council’s regeneration work in the town. Once the new Maritime Museum is relocated in Christ Church and the new Shipping Brow Gallery opens its doors, and, if the Government approves the ambitious and exciting new plans for a promenade café, event space and improvements to the Wave centre, the Boardwalk will link all of these things together.
“We apologise for the inconvenience while the beach is closed to allow the works. It will be worth it once La’al Harbour is accessible to all.”
