Work to create a new and exciting coastal destination on Romney Marsh is now under way.
Providing a major boost to the local economy, the Coast Drive project will deliver a new visitor hub, improved water sports facilities and 93 beach huts at Greatstone once completed.
There will also be more than 120 car parking spaces, electric car charging points, as well as public toilets – including a Changing Places facility.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is funding the scheme with the support of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Restoration Services.
The surrounding area is a Natura 2000 site, part of a network of core breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species.
All work, scheduled to be outside the winter/spring nesting season for migratory birds, has been supported by Natural England.
In line with the council’s Carbon Action Plan, solar panels, a green roof system and suitable planting will form part of the development.
Information boards highlighting the importance of the area as a Site of Special Scientific Interest will also be installed once the project is completed in late October.
Leader Cllr Jim Martin said: “This is a fantastic project that has been brought forward by working with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, so it’s great to see it starting to take shape.
“This is a wonderful stretch of coastline and opening it up for more people to enjoy – while protecting its special environmental aspects – is an exciting prospect.”
The Coast Drive car park will be closed while work is carried out. Please use the nearby one in Greatstone (TN28 8NP) in the meantime.
Walker Construction – a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme – has been appointed to carry out the work and we are assured that disruption will be kept to a minimum.
More information about how to join the beach hut waiting list will be made available in due course. Please do not make enquiries right now.