Ground investigation works have officially begun along a 15-kilometre stretch of coastline, spanning from Holywell in Eastbourne to Cooden Beach near Bexhill. These crucial initial steps are part of the extensive Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme (PevEb), a long-term project with an anticipated cost exceeding £100 million over the next ten years. The investigations, which commenced in May 2026, are designed to gather vital data that will inform the development of new beach designs and necessary groyne modifications slated to take place between 2027 and 2037.
Teams are currently engaged in drilling, sampling, and small excavations at numerous points along the beach. This meticulous process aims to collect material from both the surface and sub-surface, enabling a comprehensive assessment of beach sediment grading, the structural integrity of existing groynes below beach level, and overall ground conditions for future construction. Furthermore, beach samples will be taken to check for potential contaminants. Visitors to the seafront may observe temporary drilling rigs, shallow trial trenches, and fenced-off areas, though each site will be fully restored upon completion of the work. A small contractor compound has been established at Sovereign West car park, set to relocate to an Environment Agency site in Pevensey Bay by the end of July.
The works are divided into two main frontages. The Eastbourne Frontage, extending from Holywell to the southern side of the Sovereign Harbour entrance, is currently managed by Eastbourne Borough Council, with works expected to conclude by the end of June 2026. The Pevensey Bay Frontage, covering the area from the northern side of the Sovereign Harbour entrance to Cooden Beach, is under the management of the PevEb Interim Project, with operations anticipated to continue until mid-August 2026. Working hours are set from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with efforts to minimise noise disruption.
This significant investment underscores the ongoing commitment to protecting one of the southeast's most vulnerable coastal areas. Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, emphasised the scheme's role as a 'significant long-term investment' that will 'strengthen our flood defences for decades to come, safeguarding homes, businesses and the unique natural environment.' The data collected from these ground investigations is paramount to designing 'smarter, more resilient coastal defences' that will serve these communities well into the future, according to Gray.
The financial scale of this project, exceeding £100 million, highlights the substantial economic commitment required to mitigate the increasing risks associated with coastal erosion and flooding. While the immediate impact on UK households and businesses is primarily one of reassurance regarding future protection, the long-term economic benefits include safeguarding property values, ensuring business continuity in coastal areas, and avoiding the immense costs associated with flood damage and recovery. For UK taxpayers, this represents an investment in resilience, potentially reducing future emergency spending and insurance claims.
The transfer of the Eastbourne Frontage management from Eastbourne Borough Council to the Environment Agency in 2027 signifies a consolidation of efforts and resources for more streamlined coastal management. This strategic alignment aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivering the broader scheme. Future beach modification and coastal flood protection works are expected to commence from 2027, building directly on the foundational data gathered during these initial ground investigations.