A major £5 million investment to stabilise part of the seafront and redesign the road which runs parallel to the beach in Swanage, has been unanimously approved by Dorset Council.
At the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 19th May 2026, the two schemes – Swanage Town Council’s £6.9 million Green Seafront stabilisation project, and Dorset Council’s £2.5 million changes to Shore Road, got all the extra funding required to move onto the next stage of applying for planning permission.
The Swanage seafront is very beautiful but slowly slipping towards the sea as detailed in engineering surveys
Part of Walrond Road to go
Dorset Council has agreed to contribute £2.5 million towards the stabilisation works, helping to close a funding gap in the town council’s scheme, along with a further £2 million for highway improvements in addition to the £500,000 already committed.
The extra money will allow Swanage Town Council to stop the ground slippage of Sandpit Field, Weather Station Field, and the Spa beach hut terrace, as well as enhancing the area.
This includes filling in part of Walrond Road, building more traditional beach huts, providing more seating, and making paths more accessible. There will also be a new plaza area with a cafe kiosk, a secondary event space, and significant additional planting to enhance biodiversity, together with additional trees to provide shade.
The £6.9 million Green Seafront scheme will now need to get planning permission
The Spa beach huts area is now sad, ugly, and unsafe
Wider pavements on Shore Road
Dorset Council’s redesign of Shore Road will include two way traffic, pavement widths increased on the beach side of Shore Road up to approximately 2.5 metres, new pedestrian crossing points, and the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit.
To enable the widening of the pavement, parking will be removed from Shore Road, with new Blue Badge spaces created on Victoria Avenue and De Moulham Road. Short term set down / pick up spaces are also proposed for Victoria Avenue, near to the seafront.
What Shore Road could look like without parked vehicles
Areas have been fenced off for safety
“What is good for Swanage is also good for Dorset”
At the meeting, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services Jon Andrews proposed granting the money for the schemes. Seconding the proposal was Councillor Ben Wilson, ward member for South East Purbeck. He said:
“This investment is essential for stabilising and improving infrastructure that is vital for Swanage’s continued role as a much-loved place to visit and, indeed, to live. Furthermore, what is good for Swanage is also good for Dorset, and particularly the smaller coastal towns.
“This investment, along with similar support provided recently in places such as Lyme Regis, demonstrates the importance of coastal towns to this administration’s economic growth ambitions, as well as its commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change.”
Some of the old landscaping is passed its heyday, with the wall on the right upright but the path sloping at an angle towards the sea
The concrete used to fill the gap has also started to crack
“Most significant seafront improvement in decades”
As Swanage ward members for Dorset Council, Gary Suttle and Chris Tomes were allowed to put the case for giving the town the money. Speaking first, Councillor Gary Suttle said:
“It is an opportunity that will not present itself again. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference, support all our aspirations, and make Swanage one of the best seaside resorts in Dorset.
“If we can secure the capital funding requested from Dorset Council tonight to stabilise the ground, it will enable Swanage Town Council to invest capital into the major project, leading to the most significant seafront improvement in decades.”
Swanage Carnival raised £40,000 for local good causes in 2025
The summer fete organised by Swanage and Purbeck Rotary in 2025 brought in £10,500 for local charities
“So many of our best loved events depend on this area”
Councillor Chris Tomes added:
“The stabilisation issues are serious and without major work, there is a real risk of losing parts of Sandpit Field and the Weather Station Field onto Shore Road, as well as an increasing risk around De Moulham Road.
“But this project is about far more than preventing land loss. The green seafront is a huge part of what makes Swanage special. They are open spaces enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, but they are also the centre of so much community life in our town.
“So many of our best loved events depend on this area. These events do not just bring people together, they bring significant income into the town and support local businesses, especially in shoulder months.
“What makes Swanage special is that many of these events are organised by local volunteers and community groups, with money raised going straight back into the community. Last year alone, over £55,000 was donated to local charities and community organisations.”
No prizes for why the area is often referred to as the Green Seafront!
“Showcase a vital part of Dorset”
Dorset Council’s cabinet member for finance Simon Clifford revealed that prior to the meeting, some councillors had queried the spending of such a significant amount of money and whether it represented value for money. However he concluded:
“This investment will boost the visitor economy, help mitigate some of the impacts of climate change that we are already seeing, and improve safety. It will also provide better access, enhance the appearance of the area, create further opportunities, and showcase a vital part of Dorset.”
Leader of Dorset Council Nick Ireland concluded the discussion, pointing out that a lot of time and effort had been spent on this proposal with a significant amount of work from Swanage Town Council, ward members, and Dorset Council’s own staff. He said:
“This decision is the culmination of many months of work and a great deal of effort, and I appreciate everything that has gone into it.”
Far from the madding crowd on a sunny day
Whoop of joy
The meeting was attended by some Swanage Town Council members of staff and councillors. From the gallery, where they were sitting, there was applause and a whoop of joy when the proposal was approved.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Jon Andrews whose area of responsibility includes projects like these, said:
“Swanage’s Green Seafront is a hugely important part of the town’s identity, and it’s vital that we act now to safeguard it for the future.
“Improving the pedestrian experience along Shore Road will also help enhance the public realm along the seafront.
“By working in partnership with Swanage Town Council, we can both preserve this much-loved area and improve it for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Plenty of potential to improve the area without taking away its charm
Construction to start early autumn 2027
The plans for the Green Seafront and the Shore Road scheme were developed following several years of technical studies and public engagement.
Work is expected to move into the next phase during 2026 and 2027, including detailed design, planning and procurement.
Construction is currently anticipated to begin from early autumn 2027, with the aim of completing the works ahead of the 2028 summer season.
Further information
- Read the Dorset Council background paper recommending approval for the funding
- Watch the Cabinet meeting proceedings
- Read the Swanage Town Council Green Seafront Ground Stabilisation Project outline business case
- Background on the Green Seafront and the Shore Road schemes
