Work starts on Boscombe surf reef

6.08.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 11th Apr 2007

Work started on Boscombe Pier entrance building in January

Work has begun on Europe's first artificial surfing reef, near Boscombe pier. On Thursday, marine experts carried out a survey of the sea bed.

The man-made reef is expected to attract 10,000 surfers a year to Boscombe beach, and will double the number of annual surfing days to 150.

The reef is part of the £8 million regeneration programme. In January, work started on the listed entrance building to the pier and the Barratt Homes scheme which is paying for the work. The scheme will make the area more attractive in general, and bring in extra business off season.

'The only other artificial surf reefs are in New Zealand and Australia,' says local Lib Dem Councillor Ben Prescott.

'Professor Kerry Black is the world expert on artificial reefs, and helped carry out the survey. By October, Boscombe will really be on the map!'

The project will also see a restaurant with panoramic sea views created along the seafront and a Mediterranean style piazza and open air events space in front of the pier. The pier will have a viewing platform next to the surf reef and a heritage display.

'The regeneration is good news for residents: along with the Chine Gardens, it'll be a great place to walk and relax, and when the scheme is complete, there'll be more choice of places to get a coffee or a meal,' adds Cllr Prescott.

The Telegraph reports that house prices have increased 30% since the plans were approved.