The new pier not only almost doubles the harbour's size but allows fishing and leisure vessels to navigate the harbour entrance in all but the worst conditions.

West Dorset District Council chairman Mary Penfold said the project will have a significant effect on the future of West Bay's economy.

In addition to the construction of the West Arm, which angles out from the beach immediately west of the current harbour, which will shield the harbour entrance from the prevailing winds, the existing, Grade II listed East Pier was renovated and strengthened, whilst the existing West Pier was demolished.

The effect has been to create a new outer harbour and a safer port usable all year. In addition, some 25,000 tonnes of shingle has been used to replenish the village's West Beach immediately to the west of the harbour, preventing it being over-topped in storms. This beach is, in turn, protected by a new rock groyne further to the west, while new rock armour toe protection has been installed to protect the existing West Cliff sea wall.