Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has today appointed civil engineers to begin construction of the new £7 million detached breakwater for Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The construction of the new breakwater will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase, creating the core structure of the breakwater, commencing in spring 2014.

This initial construction phase will continue through the summer of 2014 and will then be followed by a consolidation period to allow for settlement of the breakwater structure during the autumn through to spring 2015. The contractor will then return to Cowes to re-dress the core structure and complete the construction of the breakwater during the summer of 2015.

The construction of the 350 metre long breakwater is the first phase of transforming Cowes into a “true sheltered harbour” and creates a variety of exciting development and business opportunities for East Cowes, Cowes and other Island stakeholders. The project is a joint initiative between CHC and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) with both parties funding the work, with co-operation from the Crown Estate.

Capt. Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master, said: “The breakwater is the first and most important component of the new harbour protection and infrastructure to be delivered as part of this partnership project. CHC will continue to work with the HCA to deliver the harbour authority’s priority of completing the sea defences by the delivery of the second phase: the extension to the Shrape breakwater and the dredging of the new Eastern Channel, which will be brought forward as part of the HCA’s proposed new marina at East Cowes.

Capt. McIntosh continued: “The Cowes breakwater project is CHC’s main priority, because not only does it offer great opportunities for harbour users, but it will enable economic development to follow, to the benefit of the local community. We have already seen this with the HCA tendering for a partner to develop and operate a new marina and associated waterfront regeneration in East Cowes. The launch of the Isle of Wight Expansion Fund is good timing for the Island too, as this grant fund should also act as a catalyst to help businesses further leverage the benefits of the protected harbour that the new Cowes breakwater creates.”