National award recognises innovative repairs at West Bay harbour

Dorset Council has won a prestigious national Ground Engineering Award for work to stabilise the harbour wall at West Bay, helping to protect homes, businesses and a busy visitor destination.

This award recognises the first phase of repairs carried out with specialist contractor Geobear, which used an innovative and cost-saving measure to stop further movement in the walls.

West Bay harbour is a key sea defence for the area. It supports a major visitor economy and is a well‑used public space. Without action, there was a real risk of parts of the wall failing, which could have led to loss of access, disruption to local businesses and significant economic damage.

The project won the UK Project category for schemes up to £500,000. Judges praised the team for stabilising a Grade II listed wall that had been weakened by underground voids, while balancing heritage protection, technical complexity and environmental responsibility.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “We know how important West Bay harbour is to local people and to Dorset’s economy. This award recognises a practical, low‑impact solution that has helped us protect the harbour and get us to a position so that long-term stabilisation works can get underway.

“This was about making the right choice for residents and businesses – either close the harbour for longer and spend much more or find a smarter way to stabilise the wall safely. We chose the option that reduced disruption, protected a heritage asset and delivered better value for public money.

“I am incredibly proud of all the team for this national recognition and most importantly, their work that is helping to protect the West Bay community.”

West Bay’s harbour walls have been battered by the elements - over time, tidal action had washed material from behind the wall, leaving hidden gaps and causing movement of up to 420mm.

Traditional solutions such as rebuilding or piling would have been more disruptive and costly in a working harbour, especially during the summer season.

Instead, Dorset Council used Geobear’s low‑impact method which involves injecting expanding resin into the ground to fill voids and strengthen the structure. This avoided excavation and heavy machinery, reduced disruption and cut carbon compared to conventional approaches.

This work has now been completed and businesses were able to stay open throughout. Equipment was operated from a distance, with materials pumped in through hoses, helping to keep much of the area accessible to residents and visitors.

The project cost around £380,000, saving an estimated £1 million compared to alternative methods and reducing the work programme by around half. It has stabilised the wall and is expected to extend its life significantly.

Steve Farr, Geobear’s UK Rail Manager, said: “West Bay Harbour presented a complex engineering challenge, requiring a solution that could restore ground stability while minimising disruption to this important public asset.

“Our geopolymer injection technology enabled us to strengthen the ground quickly and precisely, avoiding extensive excavation and allowing the harbour to remain operational throughout the works. We are proud to have worked alongside Dorset Council to deliver a durable, low-carbon solution that will help safeguard the harbour for years to come.”

This award‑winning work is the first phase of wider repairs to West Bay harbour walls. Further improvements are planned, including rebuilding sections of the promenade and re‑facing parts of the wall. The walkway will remain closed over the summer for safety while it is still uneven.

Subject to final permissions, the council expects to return to site in autumn to begin this next and final phase.