Seafront Enhancements
Swanage Seafront Projects
Seafront Masterplan
The Swanage Seafront Masterplan is a long-term vision to enhance and protect Swanage’s iconic seafront –ensuring it remains a vibrant, accessible, and resilient space for residents, businesses, and visitors.%20(11).JPG)
Created by Swanage Town Council, the masterplan sets out a coordinated approach to improving the seafront’s infrastructure, public spaces, and environmental resilience.
What the Masterplan Aims to Do:
The masterplan is shaped by extensive community engagement, with hundreds of residents and stakeholders contributing ideas and feedback through surveys, workshops, and public events.
It provides a framework for future projects – such as the Green Seafront Stabilisation & Enhancement Scheme, Shore Road improvements, and coastal flood defence planning – ensuring that all developments are aligned with a shared vision for Swanage’s future.
The Swanage Seafront Masterplan was unanimously adopted by Swanage Town Council on Monday 24th July 2023, following extensive public consultation.
View the full masterplan and survey results here.
Swanage Town Council extends its thanks to the Dorset Coast Forum Team for their professional and inclusive engagement process.
Green Seafront Scheme
For information relating to the Green Seafront Scheme, please see the dedicated webpage: Green Seafront Scheme.
Dorset Council-led Seafront Schemes
1. Swanage Town Coastal Protection Scheme
Our town centre is vulnerable to flooding during storm events and high tides, particularly when combined with easterly winds. Waves frequently overtop the sea wall, causing environmental, economic, and tourism-related impacts. This ongoing issue has highlighted the need for improved, permanent flood protection.
Dorset Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum, and Swanage Town Council, is developing a long-term coastal flood defence scheme. The proposed scheme will cover key areas including Shore Road, Mowlem Slipway, The Square, The Parade, and Lower High Street – locations currently protected by temporary seasonal barriers.
The project is being led by Dorset Council’s Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Team, who are preparing an outline business case to secure government funding via the Environment Agency.
If funding is approved, the project will move into a detailed design phase with further public consultation. Engagement will include direct outreach, structured workshops, and open community events facilitated by Dorset Coast Forum to ensure local voices are heard throughout the process.
To find out more details, please visit: www.dorsetcoast.com/project/swanage-town-coastal-protection-scheme
2. Swanage Beach Recharge
To help protect Swanage’s coastline, a beach recharge (also known as beach nourishment) is being considered. This involves placing sand or shingle on the beach to raise and widen it, allowing it to absorb more wave energy and reduce the risk of flooding and erosion.
This method helps maintain the beach’s natural appearance, making it an attractive space for both residents and visitors. However, beach recharge is not permanent – materials gradually wash away, meaning the process must be repeated over time. The last recharge in Swanage took place in 2005/06.
The scheme aims to restore optimum beach sediment levels, contributing to long-term coastal resilience while preserving the character of Swanage’s seafront.
To find out more details, please visit: www.dorsetcoast.com/beach-nourishment
3. Future Coast North Swanage – part of the Coastal transition accelerator programme
North Swanage has been selected for funding through the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP), supported by DEFRA and the Environment Agency. This funding recognises the increasing impact of coastal erosion and climate change on the area, including rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
In parts of North Swanage, maintaining sea defences long-term is no longer sustainable. The Future Coast Swanage project will work with the local community to explore practical ways to adapt to these natural changes. This includes:
- Improving infrastructure and beach access
- Raising awareness of coastal risks
- Developing long-term plans to support community resilience
With £3 million in funding, Future Coast Swanage is a proactive step towards helping the town prepare for and manage coastal change, ensuring it remains a safe and thriving place for future generations.
To find out more details, please visit: www.dorsetcoast.com/project/swanage-coastal-transition-accelerator-programme-ctap
4. Shore Road Highways Enhancement Scheme
Dorset Council developed options for improvements at Shore Road in response to public concerns about pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the desire for a more welcoming and vibrant seafront.
They presented four potential highway options for the northern section of Shore Road:
- Full closure to vehicles
- Partial closure with a one-way system
- Removal of parking
- Maintaining the current layout
These options were consulted upon between May and June, and the feedback from this consultation will inform the preferred option or options.
To find out more details, please visit: www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/swanage-green-seafront-stabilisation/highways-options