Major harbour wall construction programme to begin in autumn to allow seahorses to breed

Essential repair and replacement work on two key harbour walls at Weymouth Peninsula will now start in the autumn, with contractors and machinery beginning to assemble over the summer at the far end of the Pavilion car park. 

Work was due to start over last winter, but factors beyond the council’s control have delayed the start.  

A colony of seahorses which are a highly protected species, move into the seagrass close to the peninsula in the warmer months to breed and raise their young, meaning work on the walls must wait until the seahorses have finished breeding and moved back into deeper water. 

The walls, located to the northeast and northwest of the peninsula were found to be in critical condition during recent inspections. Originally constructed in 1977, the walls are now nearing the end of their lifespan and are at risk of failure. 

Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, Cllr Jon Andrews, said:  

“Balancing economic progress with protecting what makes Dorset special isn’t always easy, but it’s a challenge we are determined to meet. 

“Repairing and replacing the harbour walls around the peninsula is a crucial investment in Weymouth’s future. The peninsula is a cherished part of the community and an important historic and economic asset, which is vital that we protect from predicted sea level rises. Replacing the harbour walls will protect the peninsula for many decades and allow this to become a key development site as part of our ambition to regenerate Weymouth.   

“As part of our nature recovery work, we are already making efforts to protect habitats and rare species from decline. Seahorses are special creatures and it’s right that we do what we can to avoid disturbing them during their breeding season.” 

Contractors and their machinery will begin arriving and setting up in the car park area on the peninsula during the end of the summer months. This may result in some temporary changes to access and parking availability.   

The main construction work will begin in the autumn and is expected to take 10 to 12 months, with completion anticipated in mid-2026.