A beach has reopened after work to improve coastal flood protection was completed.

The upgrade of Hengistbury Head Long Groyne, Bournemouth, began in April.

The rock armor remains approximately 492 feet (150 m) from the beach line, but is 5 feet (1.5 m) higher and almost double the previous width – measuring 98 feet (30 m) at its point the widest.

Andy Hadley, of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP), said the improvements will ensure Bournemouth’s coastline remains resilient “to predicted sea level rise over the next 100 years”.

Mr Hadley, Cabinet Member for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment, added: “We are delighted that the upgrade of Long Groyne, which plays an important role in reducing the risks of Coastal erosion from Purbecks to Hurst Spit is completed early. on time and within budget.”

He thanked everyone involved in the project and the public for “their vigilance and patience during construction.”

During the works the original 1939 Long Groyne was dismantled and the salvaged materials were reused to form the core of the improved Long Groyne.

Nearly 30,000 tonnes of granite rock were delivered by sea for the project.

Around 8,000 tonnes of remaining rock delivered to the site is being used to adapt and upgrade two other short groynes near the Solent Beach car park, which the council hopes will be completed by the end of November.

The council said the improved groyne also created new habitats for animals around Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve.