In order to stabilise a subsiding section of the Swanage seafront in Dorset, more people say they prefer the £6.5 million new enhanced option to save the area from collapse, over the essential £4.5 million scheme, according to a public consultation.
However, there was a significant number of people (12 percent), who took part in the survey who said they didn’t know which scheme they preferred. There was also understandable concern over the cost of both of the proposed multi million pound options.
Cracks in the walls have been getting worse
Area is subsiding due to slippage
The green open space, owned by Swanage Town Council, includes Sandpit Field, the Weather Station Field and the Spa beach hut terrace, and is sometimes called the Green Seafront as it runs parallel to Shore Road and the beach.
Ground movement monitoring over a number of years has confirmed that the area is subsiding due to slippage with large visible cracks appearing in walls and pathways.
In order to come up with a solution Swanage Town Council asked consultants Dorset Coast Forum to organise a survey of residents, visitors, and other interested people, to get their views.
Initially, the choice in 2023 was between an essential scheme costing at the time £4 million and an enhanced scheme costing an eye watering £11 million.
In the first survey, just over half (51.1 percent) wanted to go ahead with the enhanced option, while just under half of those who gave feedback (43.6 percent) backed the essential scheme, with the remainder selecting ‘don’t know’.
Many of the current features will remain whatever option is chosen
New enhanced scheme at lower cost
The town council had a rethink and mindful of the cost, the town council came back with the option of an essential scheme now costing £4.5 million or a new enhanced scheme costing a more reasonable £6.5 million.
Dorset Coast Forum carried out a second survey between Thursday 1st May and Sunday 29th June 2025 with responses from 1,469 people, mainly Swanage residents (72 percent).
The survey included questions about the two Green Seafront schemes, as well as options for Dorset Council to improve Shore Road.
Dorset Council has yet to assess the Shore Road options, but the survey responses about the Green Seafront have now been released.
Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield said:
“The town council would like to thank all of those who participated in the Swanage Green Seafront public engagement this summer.
“Your input is greatly appreciated, and we have received some excellent feedback that will inform the designs for both the essential and the new enhanced scheme.”
The £4.5 million essential option will ensure the land is stabilised but no further enhancement of the area will be undertaken
The £6.5 million new enhanced scheme stabilises the area, makes it more accessible for those using wheelchairs and prams, expands the space for events by filling in Walrond Road, provides a new toilet block, and refurbishes and extends the Spa beach hut area
Key finding
Question: Given the two options presented, at this stage, which option would be your preferred scheme?
- New enhanced option: 659 responses / 45.1 percent
- Essential option: 625 responses / 42.8 percent
- Don’t know: 176 responses / 12.1 percent
Comments included:
“It would be a huge, missed opportunity for Swanage if only the essential option goes ahead.”
“Having one larger area provides more scope for a comprehensive and attractive scheme capable of various sizes of activities.”
“It’s essential that it goes ahead to future proof the seafront for several decades to come.”
“The essential option solves the problem with ground stability, is most cost effective and perfectly adequate.”
“The essential option maintains the unique look and feel of The Green Seafront, don’t spoil it. Keep the current planting where possible and do not add extra trees along De Moulham Road. Retain the character and the undulating design of the walkway along the East / Shore Road side of Sandpit Field, with its excellent sea views.”
“It (the essential option) keeps the same look and feel of the area and the real reason people come to Swanage.”
Extract from Dorset Coast Forum report:
“In both options there were comments expressing concern for the costs and where the finances would come from in order to afford the works.
“Some respondents feel the £6.5 million cost of the new option is excessive. Several comments suggest the essential option (at £4.5 million) is more reasonable and sufficient to address the core issues. There is concern that the project will go over budget.
“However, there is also some aspiration that the project offers opportunity for further investment in the town.”
The green seafront is a popular alternative to the beach
Cost factor
The number of people who preferred the new enhanced scheme was only marginally more than those who opted for the cheaper scheme, and there was a significant number of those who responded ‘don’t know’.
However further answers to questions indicated that there was a reasonable majority of people who liked or approved of the features of the new enhanced scheme, like the filling in of Walrond Road (60 percent), a second event space (53 percent), improved access (63 percent) and more seating.
This suggests that many may have preferred the new enhanced scheme but were against spending more money, hence opted for the essential scheme.
Swanage Town Council says it has about £4 million in reserves to fund the scheme but if the cost goes above that level it would have to borrow or find some other way to raise the cash.
Survey anomalies
Another factor towards the end of the survey period was some anomalies in the submissions, with an unexpected high number in quick succession, and also during the night at regular intervals.
Prior to the unusual activity, there was a much higher proportion of people who preferred the new enhanced option over the essential scheme
- New enhanced option: 369 responses / 57 percent
- Essential option: 221 responses / 34 percent
- Don’t know: 59 responses / 9 percent
Not only will filling in this section of Walrond Road extend the event space but it will also be a cost effective way to dispose of the soil that is removed as part of the stabilisation work
Walrond Road
Question: Do you agree with the filling in of Walrond Road?
- Strongly agree: 460 responses / 39.2 percent
- Agree: 246 responses / 21 percent
- Neither agree or disagree: 119 responses / 10.1 percent
- Disagree: 110 responses / 9.4 percent
- Strongly disagree: 219 responses / 18.7 percent
- Not sure: 19 responses / 1.6 percent
Those who expressed strong support for filling in Walrond Road made comments including that it would improve pedestrian access, safety, and event space, creating a more attractive and accessible seafront for residents and visitors.
Those who expressed strong opposition to infilling Walrond Road, cited its importance for parking, vehicle access, and maintaining separation between quiet and event spaces.
This quiet area has potential as a secondary event space with great sea views, which could create a new income stream if used for events like weddings
Secondary event space
Question: To what extent do you feel you would make use of the secondary event space?
- I would use this space a lot more (more than three times a year): 151 responses / 13.3 percent
- I would use this space a little (maybe once a year):130 responses / 11.4 percent
- I would consider using this space: 321 responses / 28.2 percent
- I would not use this space: 204 responses / 17.9 percent
- I do not think this space is needed: 315 responses / 27.7 percent
Comments included:
“This area is used by many people to sit and enjoy the views over the bay. There is plenty of room in Prince Albert Gardens and King George’s without altering this area.”
“It’s a lovely idea – as long as there are constraints against noisy and late parties.”
“I think many community groups would be able to use this space.”
“This should remain a full free public access green space and costly enhancements are not needed. It’s unclear how members of the public will be excluded from private events in this area.”
Question: Please help us to think about the future of the secondary event space. If any of the following features were added, would you make use of them?
- Seating – benches: 585 responses
- Seating – picnic tables / tables and chairs: 508 responses
- Viewpoint: 475 responses
- Additional planting to create a more private area: 391 responses
- Electric and water points: 264 responses
- Other (please specify): 95 responses
Much of the current planting is overgrown and needs to be replaced
Planting and greenspace
Question: Please pick your top two planting schemes from those listed below
- Trees, copse and shrub planting: 554 responses
- Coastal / Mediterranean stone, shingle and rock planting: 482 responses
- Wildflower and long grass areas: 434 responses
- Limestone rock / scree planting: 196 responses
Comments emphasised the importance of low maintenance, natural planting, and the avoidance of blocking the view.
If Walrond Road is filled in there will be less parking but a plaza area could be created for accessible toilets and a cafe
Seafront plaza
Question: Taking into consideration the example design images on the project webpage or the project pack at Swanage Information Centre, please select which style of kiosk café you would prefer in terms of its look and feel?
- Traditional, seaside beach kiosks: 470 responses
- Colourful and unique style kiosks: 252 responses
- Modern, container style kiosks: 136 responses
- None of these: 160 responses
- Other (please specify): 49 responses
Toilets
Question: Where do you feel would be the best location for the toilets?
- Seafront plaza (New enhanced option only): 344 responses
- Battlegate (Essential option only): 288 responses
- Do not mind either way: 299 responses
“When events are taking place on Sandpit field, the seafront loos would be a great addition.”
“I think it is essential to have the toilet facilities – the kiosk will just add to the charm of the walk.”
“Accessible toilets are a must. The steps at Battlegate might as well be a barricade for those of us with mobility issues.”
Extract from the Dorset Coast Forum report:
“A notable portion of feedback (56 out of 282 comments) expressed concern about the potential closure of the Battlegate toilets.”
Some of the stone seating is not inviting or easy to get up from
Seating
Question: Do you feel the amount of seating (approximately 25 benches) incorporated into the essential option design is sufficient? (a similar amount as there is currently)
- Yes: 405 responses / 43.3 percent
- No: 294 responses / 31.4 percent
- Not sure: 236 responses / 25.2 percent
Question: Do you feel the amount of seating incorporated into the new enhanced option design is sufficient? (approximately 30 benches)
- Yes: 588 responses / 66.4 percent
- No: 78 responses / 8.8 percent
- Not sure: 219 responses / 24.7 percent
Comments included:
“I think additional seating is important. Not everyone wants to or is able to access the sandy beach easily and this would make the space an attractive option.”
“Plenty of seating will encourage people to stay and use the areas for longer. For those without gardens like elderly, it will be encouraging.”
“Really like the architectural wavy style – it’s a more communal way of seating and appreciating a view.”
“The wavy seating area is attractive and mirrors Prince Albert gardens in a more modern way. However, importantly it’s not useful for elderly and disabled people, so traditional style benches are still key.”
“Seats need to be comfortable, not trendy, and must be hard wearing to last.”
Access and accessibility
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? ‘The new option design proposals improve overall access to the Green Seafront.’
- Definitely agree: 396 responses / 40.1 percent
- Somewhat agree: 235 responses / 23.8 percent
- Neither agree nor disagree: 193 responses / 19.6 percent
- Somewhat disagree: 65 responses / 6.6 percent
- Definitely disagree: 98 responses / 9.9 percent
Many of the comments gave suggested improvements. These included:
- Hard-surfaced paths and circular walking routes around fields
- Improved toilet facilities, including Changing Places facilities for youth and adults with specific needs
- Better vehicle access management for events, with designated unloading zones
- A direct pedestrian route from Shore Road to De Moulham Road without steps
Visitor experience
Question: To enhance visitor experience and understanding of the Green Seafront’s history and landscape, we are considering adding informational and interpretive elements. Please tick which of the following you would find most beneficial.
- Information boards: 678 responses
- Public art features linked to the area’s heritage: 486 responses
- Historical information available online, accessed through a QR code: 284 responses
- Walks and talks: 222 responses
- Other (please specify): 80 responses
Extract from the Dorset Coast Forum report:
“Responses in the “other” section included a volunteer outdoor steward scheme, an art trail and a flag mast to see the wind direction. There were also comments on information boards being unobtrusive and low level with fun information on them, but some responses also expressed concern about cluttering the area.”
A few Spa beach huts remain but most have been removed for safety reasons, loosing the council income
The Spa, once a desirable area with beach huts and a tea house, has the possibility to bring back a traditional feel to the seafront
Spa beach hut area
Question: Taking into consideration the beach hut examples that are available to view on the project webpage or in the project pack at Swanage Information Centre, please select which types of beach huts are your preference for the Spa beach hut area
- Traditional style: 540 responses
- Colourful style: 459 responses
- Modern style: 174 responses
- Other (please specify): 41 responses
Traditional style beach huts were the most popular and have the potential to bring in more income for the council.
Swanage Town Council currently gets around £195,000 a year income from all of its current beach huts, although there are business rates and maintence to pay.
Redeveloping the spa area as part of the new enhanced scheme could go towards doubling that income.
Who wouldn’t want to sit here and sip tea?!
What happens next?
Swanage Town Council says it’s going to continue to evaluate both the essential and the new enhanced options.
It has now received the final draft of a report which reviews whether the current preferred primary method of stabilising the seafront land (by soil nails) is definitely the most cost-effective way to stabilise the ground for the long term.
The engineer’s report is being considered and the council says it will be released in due course.
Funding and grant options are also being explored.
No decision will be made on the preferences on the two schemes at the Swanage Town Council meeting from 7 pm on Monday 17th November 2025 at the Methodist Church in the High Street, but councillors will look at the procurement of professional services to support a future planning application.
It says this is in order to meet the project timetable with construction planned to start in autumn 2027.
The results of the Shore Road element of the survey will be published once it has been reviewed by Dorset Council. No date has yet been set.
Further information
- Read the full November 2025 Green Seafront and engagement report
