Preliminary works are underway at Belgrave Road in Ventnor ahead of the main scheme to reinstate the failed wall and road above which will get underway in October.
Local company Stoneham Construction has been appointed, following a tender process, to undertake the main works that are expected to last just over a year, before completing in autumn 2022.
New wall planned after stabilising work
The work will see the collapsed wall dismantled and the area behind it stabilised, before a new wall is built, and the road and footway reconstructed.
In consultation with the local conservation officer, a natural stone finish will be used to replace the wall so that it is in keeping with others in the surrounding area. The new parapet wall will also be higher than existing to conform with the latest safety requirements for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Preparation underway
Contractors are currently working on site to prepare the area for the arrival of additional site machinery and equipment.
Scaffolding has also been erected on Esplanade Road to enable them to undertake any strengthening works on the walls supporting the terraces before the main work on site begins.
Jordan: A complex process
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure said,
“This has been a complex process over the course of the last year-and-a-half to manage the challenges on site and determine the best solution.
“I would like to thank residents for their patience throughout this time and I am delighted that the process towards reinstating the road can finally begin.”
Residents and local councillors were invited to a meeting this week to hear more about the plans and scope of works on site.
Boulter: Grateful to residents for their patience
Project manager at Island Roads, Jason Boulter, said,
“We are very grateful to the residents of both Belgrave and Esplanade Road who have been extremely patient over a long period of time while we waited for the ground to stabilise and could then undertake the necessary investigations and we will continue to keep the community informed as the work progresses.”
Temporary parking restrictions
During the main works, construction traffic will be entering the site from Park Avenue and some temporary parking restrictions will be necessary at the narrowest part of Belgrave Road to ensure vehicles can safely move to and from the site.
Ground monitoring equipment will continue to be checked at regular intervals throughout the works with additional checks after any periods of poor weather, as they have been to date, and regular site inspections will also continue.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
