Ventnor Eastern Cliffs Esplanade

image of digger on Ventnor eastern esplanade showing the works and the sea in the background

On 3 November 2022, we closed a section of Ventnor's Eastern Cliffs Esplanade. This was because a large hole and cracks appeared in the revetment slope and apron of the seawall beyond the skatepark

Within days, part of the seawall had collapsed into the sea as winter storms battered the weakened defences. These defences date back to the 1960s. 

Further investigations revealed extensive damage below the apron of the revetment. This includes badly corroded steel sheet piles shown in the photograph.

Watch the drone video to see the full damage.

We will keep you up to date with the latest information about repairs to the esplanade at Eastern Cliff Esplanade.

We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has already attended one of the community meetings held in the town. These public meetings are a great opportunity to hear directly from senior project officers. The officers are also happy to answer any questions you might have.

We held a public meeting in Ventnor on Thursday, 29 February at 6pm.

The meeting took place at St Catherine's Church and included updates on the EA's Ventnor coastal programme and Island Roads progress on Rene Howe Walk (the Cascades).

Progress so far

Ventnor eastern esplanade update on works concrete flood defence and machinery against a cloudy grey sea front

UPDATE: February 2024

We are pleased to report that work is well underway to build new sea defences which will help to protect homes and businesses for years to come.

The new seawall continues to perform extremely well with all 153 king piles now in place. 

Work to stabilise the existing structure has been completed and the task of reinstatement has begun. The replacement sections will be fabricated off site to mitigate the impact and risk of weather on safety and quality.

While progress on site remains challenging due to the weather, our experienced marine contractor continues to work double tides at every opportunity to help finish the work as quickly as possible.

Please continue to respect the construction site fencing and do not attempt to enter this dangerous area.

People wanting to get from Ventnor to Wheeler's Bay should continue to follow the inland diversion. Below you can see a map and points of interest along the way.


UPDATE: April 2024

We're making good progress on the reinstatement of the promenade and remain on track to re-open at the end of May.

Map and points of interest of detour around Ventnor seawall closure

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More information about Ventnor coastal protection schemes

Information about other coastal protection schemes planned for the town Ventnor.