Monday 10 May 2021
The next stage to restore the Clarence Battery steps will be getting under way in the coming months following the tendering for and appointment of a contractor to carry out detailed investigatory works.
In March 2020, a landslip occurred following a prolonged period of wet weather which resulted in the collapse of the Clarence Battery steps. The importance of La Vallette and the route up to the Clarence Battery as an access point to the cliff paths above is recognised and resolving the issue has remained a priority for the States' Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services. Work has been steadily progressing over the past year despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.
Following the landslip, an immediate initial review was undertaken on site by Property Services. This initial overview was one primarily associated with health and safety considerations and an early evaluation of a potential way forward.
A local civil engineering contractor was appointed regarding the provision of rope access support to enable the inspection of the failed slope by a geotechnical engineer. This produced a photographic inspection of the area which assisted in the creation of a 3D model. In turn this helped inform a review of potential options for remedial works to stabilise the earth bank and allow reinstatement of the access route to the Clarence Battery.
A detailed site investigation is now required, which unfortunately could not take place during the harsher winter months given the coastal location of the site. This will inform further design development and the specification of works to stabilise the slopes and reinstate the access route.
Tendering for these site investigations has now commenced. In accordance with the States' Procurement Policy the evaluation process considers benefits to the local economy. This should favour the selection of a local business. The design and reinstatement construction works will be based on the information obtained from the site investigations and the reinstatement works will be tendered separately in the future.
It is intended to appoint a contractor in May and have works commence as soon after as is practicable.
In addition to the site investigation works at the area of the Clarence Battery steps, the contract is also for site investigation works at the "zig-zag path" which connects La Vallette to Le Val Des Terres.
In order for the appointed contractor to carry out these works in safety, it is expected that the Val Des Terres will be closed and temporary traffic light management will be in place on La Vallette road for two weeks in June. The pedestrian access to the coast path will be maintained.
These works come in addition to those taking place on the Havelet seawall and La Vallette bathing pools this year. For information on these works please view the separate media release here.
