Client: Hastings Borough Council Location: Hastings, Sussex Value: £28,000 Form of Contract: ICE 6th Edition Completion: 2009 Provian Construction has provided vital protection to Hastings beach to help ensure the town’s tourist boom continues to boost the local economy. Tourism and leisure is one of Hastings’ premier industries, so when the beach’s groynes, which prevent shingle from washing away, began to erode, the Hastings Borough Council enlisted Provian Construction to restore them. To complicate the scheme, timing proved to be crucial as the changing tides have had a massive effect on the work. To overcome this challenge, Provian Construction worked in shifts which followed tide timetables. The application of concrete in particular had to be timed perfectly for an outgoing tide and northerly wind, to allow for the maximum setting time. There are three groynes in total running down the beach, measuring 60 metres each and comprising a concrete base, steel bull head rails and timber cladding. The hardwood protects the steel bull head rail and concrete from erosion by wearing away – which is exactly what’s happened after decades of high tides. Provian Construction’s expert team reinforced the groynes at their most worn areas, which is approximately the middle 30-40metre sections. Here, the sacrificial timber was replaced. This was then topped with a fibremesh rapid setting concrete capping for extra strength and durability. As part of Provian Construction’s environmental commitment, where possible, the replacement timber was sustainably sourced. Provian utilised a combination of Balau and Greenheart hardwoods for the planking. While they offer an attractive appearance that enhances the picturesque sea-view, they’re also particularly durable. Balau is especially well suited to the harsh conditions, having been used for centuries to build ships, it is considered to be one of the hardest woods available. Once completed for Hastings Borough Council, the work will ensure the protective element of the groynes remain strong for decades, keeping the town’s kilometres of beach intact for visitors to enjoy for many more years.