Wirral Council has announced that the noisiest and most disruptive parts of the construction of West Kirby flood wall have now been completed.
In an update, the local authority says the last few remaining piles – metal tubes that provide the foundations of a base slab structure before construction can begin above ground level – have now been installed and are being cut down to their finished length.
Contractors have also finished the removal of the old concrete elements on the shore side of the promenade.
Wirral Council said: “Works on the next phase of the project is already underway at the Riversdale Road end of the promenade with new concrete works taking place there before the pre-cast wall units can begin to be installed later this month.
“This work will then continue to take place in distinct areas along South Parade and it is hoped that when work in one area is completed, that part of the promenade will be able to reopen fully to the public.”
They also say they understand West Kirby Lifeboat will be able to return to their compound after being temporarily relocated.
They added: “As part of the wall project, the RNLI will have their existing gated entrance to the promenade widened to make it easier for them to launch and return to base in future. An unused, council-owned storage shed is being demolished so this can happen.”
The overall estimated completion date for the project is now the early part of 2023, but the council says that contractors, VolkerStevin, “are making efforts to reduce this estimated completion date as much as possible”.
The project has been dogged by controversy since it was announced, with objections about the design, cost and whether it is needed at all.
The council says it will protect 70 properties at risk of flooding now from extreme tidal events, give over 500 properties improved protection over the next century as sea levels rise and create a new cycle lane and events space on the promenade.
Most of the funding for the scheme is coming from the Environment Agency, with Wirral Council contributing £2.8 million of the £10 million cost.