In honour of David Weight, whose passion for the concept of artificial reefs has driven the project locally, as a surfing community we have decided to call it “Weights Reef”

11th November 2008 - Work stops for the winter
Yesterday the Reef contractors finally admitted defeat and returned to New Zealand for the winter.

The base layer of the reef is complete and will settle over the winter alowing the top sections to be deployed in the spring. We are hopeful that with a natural build up of sand there should be signs of a wave on therare occaision that a low spring tide coincides with a big groundswell.

Obviously there is a huge sense of disappointment amongst local surfers and business people as the delay means in reality it will be another year before we can see any action on “Weights Reef”

As the Sorted Surf Shop is right on the beach at Boscombe we will keep you posted as the progess once the contractors are back in action. Alternatively, if you want to keep an eye on things - check out the Boscombe Beach and Reef Surfcam.

Three successful local businesses, all already based in Boscombe, have won prestigious and lucrative contracts for retail and catering outlets in Boscombe, as part of the major £10 million regeneration project.

The refurbished Overstrand building will see “Urban Reef” restaurant and café, operated by the owners of boutique Boscombe hotel Urban Beach. “Sorted” will operate a surf shop and separate surf school within the Overstrand. Rob Shearman of Rob’s Event Catering will be bringing “Reefside” catering, newsagents and beach goods to Boscombe Pier entrance, as part of the ongoing seafront refurbishment.

The interiors of Urban Reef, Sorted Surf Shop and Reefside are currently being designed and will all open in April 2009. Building on the success of Boscombe’s regeneration scheme, the new facilities and services will complement the “surf pods” or super beach huts being created in the Overstrand. The Overstrand will also host an RNLI beach lifeguard station, public showers, toilets and changing facilities and events office.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism said:

These selections were made at the end of an extensive tender process and each of these companies clearly demonstrated innovative approaches to customer service, facilities, and investment as well as a commitment to developing Boscombe as a quality resort in its own right.

We are delighted that successful local businesses proved to be the best for the job. The opportunities open to these companies are immense and we look forward to their opening next April. It is testament that local businesses have further recognised the potential that Boscombe has and are prepared to invest significantly and play their part in making that happen.

December 08 – Work finished on Boscombe Pier Approach roads and roundabouts
Jan/ Feb 09 – Release of first phase of super beach huts off plan
April 09 – Urban Reef restaurant & cafe, Sorted Surf Shop and school, Reefside Catering open
End Sept 09 – Weather dependant anticipated completion of surf reef