Balfour Beatty has won a £13.4 million contract to carry out slope stabilisation works behind Scarborough's historic Spa building.

The contractor has been appointed by Scarborough Borough Council to deliver the project and completion is scheduled for Christmas 2019.

Features of the Scarborough Spa Slope Stabilisation Scheme involve piling along the rear of the Spa complex with almost horizontal drainage to address the deep seated failure of the slope, soil reinforcement (‘nailing') and re-grading of the slope to address shallow and medium seated instabilities, together with further drainage measures, other works including repairs to the arch structure near the Spa Cliff lift and relaying of cliff access paths and basic landscaping and replanting.

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Prior to the formal start on site at the end of the month, Balfour Beatty will be undertaking some initial ground investigations from 21 May onwards.

Up to £11.6m has been provided by Defra to make up the bulk of the funding for the scheme, with the difference being made up by contributions from Scarborough Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Mike Cockerill said: "I am delighted that following finalisation of the contract with Balfour Beatty, a date has been set for the scheme to start. This is a major engineering project and the works are critical for reducing the risk of a deep seated landslip damaging or destroying properties located within the immediate South Cliff area.

"Alongside the delivery of the project, we will be working closely with Balfour Beatty to ensure regular communication and engagement with the local South Cliff community throughout the course of the work."

Stephen Semple, Balfour Beatty Managing Director for North & Midlands East Delivery Unit, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the Scarborough Spa Slope Stabilisation Scheme contract by Scarborough Borough Council. We have extensive coastal protection experience and have successfully completed numerous cliff stabilisation schemes.

"We look forward to commencing works, which will strengthen and improve the slopes below the Esplanade and behind the historic Scarborough Spa, through on-going collaboration with Scarborough Borough Council and our integrated delivery team."

(LM/MH)