EUROPE'S FIRST ARTIFICIAL REEF: World Class Surf Possibly Looms In England

Surf's up in Boscombe.

Interview with Jo Mountain, Resort PR Development Manager for Bournemout Tourism
by
Zach Weisberg
Online Editor SurferMag.com

What initiated interest in an artificial reef in Boscombe, and why there?

The idea was first discussed back in 1993. The reef is part of the wider regeneration of Boscombe, part of Bournemouth in order for it to be transformed back into the resort it once was. Surfers have been discussing the idea of an artificial surf reef for years, but it’s only now that the project is possible, having obtained a licence from the government. In Victorian times, Boscombe Spa was known as THE place to go on holiday. Since then the area has fallen into neglect and been overshadowed by the larger resort of Bournemouth nearby, which is the UK’s leading seaside destination.

Boscombe seafront has seen little development since the 1950s and the current infrastructure is in desperate need of renovation. The Mermaid hall building on the end of Boscombe Pier has been closed since 1989 and the remainder of the pier was closed in October 2005. The structure, especially the timber walkway has deteriorated to the point of becoming dangerous. The new pier end will be open in May 2008, and will provide an excellent spectator platform to watch the surfing.

The chalet complex forming the 1st and 2nd floors of the Boscombe Overstrand building to the east of the pier is in very poor condition with only the beach office and life guard office currently in use. Despite all this, Boscombe seafront remains a popular beach destination with families in the summer and surfers in the winter.

Redevelopment plans have been discussed for a number of years, with the proposal of a surf reef dating back to 1998. The land based leisure proposals were approved by the Council in November 2003 and the surf reef proposals approved in February 2005 with planning consent achieved in September 2005.

What kind of wave will it be? A right, a left, steep, barrelling?

The wave will be a right-hander, providing a ride of up to 75m. A good swell will have a great response from the reef and bring an improved wave over what Boscombe is currently experiencing. In good conditions there will be heavy breaking, barrelling waves. The reef is designed to barrel and designed around those best days.

How long will its development take and cost, and how will it effect sea life?

The Council is on course to start construction in spring 2008, with the reef anticipated to be completed in October 2008.

It is likely that marine life will thrive on the reef and there will be no damaging effects to the beach. Bournemouth Borough Council is working closely with Bournemouth University and marine biologists at Bournemouth's Oceanarium to monitor marine life. Experts predict the reef itself is likely to become a busy habitat over time, with marine creatures colonising its surfaces and taking shelter within it, developing into a haven for wildlife that would not otherwise exist on a flat seabed.

Although the reason for building the reef is for regeneration and leisure, expert opinion says that it may also help with coastal defences. The delay in processing the licence for the surf reef was due to the Marine and Fisheries Agency extensive consultation and research to ensure the reef would not have a negative impact on coastal erosion.

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