Outer breakwater study for Cowes Harbour, Isle of Wight, UK
Scheme description
Cowes sits at the head of the Medina River and its strategic location with direct access into the Solent has made it a world renowned leisure boating centre. A key objective of CHC is the introduction of an outer breakwater to benefit both East and West Cowes.
Role of Marina Projects
Commissioned by CHC to undertake a high-level review of the breakwater options and the resultant benefits and opportunities. The key objectives of the project were defined and agreed with the client at an early stage and these were to encompass the following areas:
- Increased usability of the outer harbour
- Improve navigational safety — particularly dense during peak season
- Support the ongoing regeneration of East Cowes — being led by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)
As part of the study programme Marina Projects undertook to provide presentation material for stakeholder consultation and public presentations. The aim of this presentation material being to communicate clearly the objectives of the Commissioners and to outline the potential benefits that might arise from such a development.
The initial high-level study reviewed a number of potential breakwater locations and highlighted a number of the key factors that would impact on the determination of the optimum location. Two option schemes for the improved outer harbour area were also developed to initial concept stage in order to clearly demonstrate the significant benefits arising from the scheme.
It is anticipated that the wider scheme will bring benefits in the following areas:
- Increased usability of the outer harbour by extending the area for moorings with an improved wave climate and in-turn extending the season
- Opportunity to develop new navigational channels with some segregation of leisure and commercial traffic
- New waterfront marina (approximately 400 berths) to enhance East Cowes regeneration, compliment West Cowes and enhance overall the offer of Cowes harbour
- Improved flood protection and complimentary to the published coastal defence strategy.
- Opportunities to improve links between East and West Cowes (Water Bus)
- Provision of much needed yachting/event support facilities and support for marine sector
- Improved wave climate for West Cowes — extend season for existing marinas, yacht clubs and boatyards