PART of Bournemouth’s seafront could be closed for up to a year as work continues.
A section of Undercliff Drive at the bottom of East Cliff, underneath the lift, has been fenced off for some time already.
Inside there are shipping containers, bins and other various items stored inside.
But the fenced off area could remain for another year as it’s being used as a storage site and coffee break area for workmen completing a number of Levelling Up jobs.
The compound was originally specified by BCP Council's consultant WSP after the 2016 cliff slip, to “ensure public safety and forms a protective run-out or catch area, in the event of further slip”.
The fencing is also there as it prevents access to the remaining buildings which are deemed unsafe and scheduled for demolition.
BCP Council’s spokesman said: “This compound at East Cliff operates to support the vital infrastructure project taking place in this location.”
The Levelling Up work along Bournemouth's seafront could take a while to finish and will continue throughout the summer.
Read more: Bournemouth Pier could close to repair damage
Read more: Will East Cliff lift ever reopen after landslip?
East Cliff’s historic lift, built in 1908, has been out of action since a landslip in 2016 caused tonnes of rubble to plunge 100ft onto the promenade.
Since last summer BCP Council has been doing assessments on the delicate cliff to work out what can be done to make it safe.
Cabinet member for the environment Andy Hadley said £4.3m in government Levelling Up money will contribute to cliff stabilisation works.
The Levelling Up money is part of a £20million government grant to improve the seafront of Bournemouth and Poole.
Deputy council leader Millie Earl added the money will help the council in its “ambitions to unlock the region’s full potential and encourage investment in the future”.
Around £9.62m has been allocated towards the structural engineering of Bournemouth Pier and its leisure facilities.
There will be repair and remediation, where necessary, to the pier substructure which includes the timber landing stages and concrete support system.
BCP Council is allowing for more than 12 months for the completion of these works, expected to begin in the winter.
Residents had previously hit out at the "dreadful" state of the pier over damage to the landing stages, stairs and fenders.
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