Van Oord builds new groyne field in Brighton and Hove

The coastline protection works between Brighton Marina and the River Adur in Shoreham are moving forward. Brighton and Hove City Council said that specialist marine contractor Van Oord UK Ltd. is currently constructing a new groyne field on the beach between the leisure center and Second Avenue.

The space between the groynes will be filled with shingle that will be sourced from a licensed offshore borrow area located to the east of the Isle of Wight and pumped to the shore.

This project is set to extend the beach and help protect the coastline from flooding, erosion, storms and the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.

“Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, Brighton and Hove residents and school children are being given the chance to see what we’re doing to protect the city’s coastline,” the Council said.

“An event is taking place in the King Alfred Leisure Centre ballroom on April 16, where they’ll be a chance to learn more about the Brighton Marina and River Adur Coastal Defense scheme.”

Paul Hesk, Managing Director, Van Oord UK Ltd, added: “We are excited to have an opportunity to engage with the local community and share information regarding the current works that will improve the coastal defenses along King’s Esplanade and thereby reduce the risk of flooding and erosion.”

Work is scheduled to finish around November 2026.