£1.6 million quay replacement project gets underway

Essential work by the city council to replace an old section of Whitstable Harbour’s east quay is underway, helping to protect the harbour and the town from coastal flooding for years to come.

The 85-metre section of the quay wall, located between the pontoon and Brett Aggregates, was originally constructed in 1962.

After more than 60 years of exposure to seawater, the steel sheet piles have gradually corroded and reached the end of their working life.

The replacement project, which is estimated to cost £1.6 million and is funded by the Environment Agency, is being managed by contractor Ovenden Allworks.

Work is expected to be completed in spring 2027, with the programme scheduled for the winter months to minimise disruption to pontoon operators and harbour users.

The project involves removing the existing concrete coping before installing a new steel quay wall in front of the existing structure. The space between the old and new walls will then be filled.

The existing quay surface will also be removed to allow a new anchor beam and tie rods to be installed behind the new quay wall. Once the structural work is complete, the quay surface and concrete coping will be reconstructed.

When the project is finished, the appearance of the quay will remain similar to its current form, while the underlying structure will have been renewed.

Chairman of Whitstable Harbour Board, Cllr Chris Cornell, said: “We’re very pleased to be up and running with this scheme, which is designed to protect the town from flooding and ensure the harbour is fit for the future.

“Over the next few months, visitors to the harbour will notice lots of activity and a few changes along the east quay, before it all gets back to normal in time for the 2027 season.

“Work like this can be noisy and we are sure the piling and big machinery will attract some attention, but we thank everyone in advance for their patience, understanding and cooperation.”

Published: 17 September 2026