Celebrations marking the completion of Thanet District Council's multi-million pound coastal flood defence scheme have been held in Margate with the expert team responsible for its development.

The landmark scheme, funded by the Environment Agency, was designed to dramatically reduce the risk of flooding in Margate Old Town and was completed almost £1million under budget.

Work on the scheme, which has been under construction since 2010, has involved major renovations to the Stone Pier, the North and South Sea Walls, the installation of seven new floodgates and the construction of a 200 metre-wide stepped structure.

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As well as providing vital protection from the risk of flooding, the new steps have been designed with integrated seating and lighting to provide an attractive new area to enjoy Margate’s stunning sea views. They also provide access for the first time from the Old Town area of Margate directly onto the beach.

The savings achieved on the scheme have allowed the Environment Agency to fund additional work including the refurbishment of the Marine Pool on Margate Sands.

The East Kent Engineering Partnership (which includes expert officers from Thanet District Council and Canterbury City Council) was responsible for the design of the project, which was funded by an Environment agency grant. The contractor J Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd undertook construction of the scheme.

(CD/MH)