Marsden Bay improvement works
Contents
Overview of the project
This project aimed to:
- provide safe and sustainable access to the beach
- return this part of the coastline to a more natural environment
The work involved:
- demolishing the disused former Marsden Lifeguard Station and canoe store - these were closed for many years, and were at an increasing risk of collapse - demolishing the buildings helped to return the area to a more natural environment
- rebuilding Redwell Steps - the concrete on the lower steps was particularly vulnerable to natural coastal erosion, so they are being replaced with a more sustainable timber and steel structure
Access to Marsden Bay
You can access Marsden Bay from Camel Island and Marsden Grotto during the work.
When visiting Marsden Bay, please:
- check tide times before you visit
- follow instructions on any signs around the area
- follow general advice on staying safe at the seaside
With any coastal location of this nature, there is always the danger of rock falls onto the beach, so we recommend keeping a safe distance from the cliff face.
How the new steps will look
The steps will be built from timber and steel.
Below is an artist's impression of how the stairs will look:
Timeline
The demolition was completed in October 2020.
Construction of the steps started in September 2021.
Construction was completed in February 2022.
Phase 1 - demolition
Work was completed in October 2020 to demolish:
- the disused former Marsden Lifeguard Station and canoe store
- lower section of Redwell Steps
This work was scheduled to avoid disturbing birds during the breeding and nesting seasons.
News:
- Work Gets Underway on Steps to Marsden Bay
- 19 November 2020 - Access Scheme Sees Tide Turn At Marsden Bay
- 7 October 2020 - Scheme to Improve Access to Bay Gets Underway
- September 2020 - Youtube: Footage of the work completed so far
Phase 2 - building the steps
Work has finished on the construction of new timber and steel stairs. Construction was completed in February 2022.
This will provide safe and sustainable access to the beach.
The new steps were built by Esh Construction. The Royal Haskoning designs were granted planning permission in August 2021.
This work was scheduled to avoid disturbing birds during the breeding and nesting seasons.
News:
Funding for the project
The Marsden Bay Improvement Project is being led by South Tyneside Council in partnership with the National Trust.
The project has been part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund under the SeaScapes Project, with £100,000 towards the demolition costs.