Cowes calls for breakwater backing

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is committing continued funding and support to the CHC, which believes that the breakwater is important for safety and that the outer harbour is a vital part of the island’s economy.

The CHC will also use reserves for funding that have been generated by local businesses in the harbour but has reaffirmed the importance of public support to the project to ensure the project comes to fruition.

The breakwater project aims to protect vessels docked in the harbour, reduce damage to local businesses and will establish Cowes as a destination for visiting cruise ships.

The CHC was initially a funding partner on the project, but has now taken over the procurement and management of the harbour.

In June 2012, Atkins, a leading engineering and design consultancy involved with the London 2012 Olympics, was appointed to manage the procurement of the harbour infrastructure.

The question was raised at this time whether CHC’s Shephard’s Marina, an important provider of local amenities and services, should be sold to help fund the breakwater project. But, it was decided that more funding and a “better return” could be made if it was kept on.

Providing funding is secured, Atkins should have completed the tendering stage for the breakwater by the end of December 2012. This will hopefully lead to construction beginning in spring 2013, with an estimated completion time of between six to eight months.