States launches tender for Fermain Wall fix

Friday 22 January 2021

Seven years after a section of the Fermain Wall collapsed, progress could finally be made on long-overdue repairs.

The States has opened an expression of interest for a consultant to help Environment & Infrastructure to "review, propose and develop options" for repairing the wall.

A section of the Napoleonic structure collapsed back in 2014 and the only work since has come in the form of minor, temporary repairs.

Following two unsuccessful tenders in the previous political term, it is hoped that the often-used 'build back better' mantra will actually be put into action. 

It will likely be fixed as it’s a potent public demonstration of action. But I want to know the opportunity costs. I suspect a poll would reveal high support for fixing it. If however you asked ‘do you want Fermain OR the pools fixed?’ then the answer might well be different.

— Yvonne Burford (@YvonneBurford) January 20, 2021

E&I said: "This Expression of Interest is to gauge interest and benefit from the services which can be provided by a Consultant that can integrate their Civil, Geotechnical and Marine Engineering knowledge to review, propose and develop options for repair of a masonry wall at Fermain Bay."

There is currently a gaping hole in the wall - measuring 16 by 6 metres - exposing the cliff behind.

With little progress made on its rebuild, safety signs and rock armour were instead installed to discourage people going close to the damaged wall.

It’s the third time the project has been ‘advertised’ the first 2 expressions of interest didn’t receive any responses. Let’s hope this time (long overdue) progress can be made.

— Barry Brehaut. (@BrehautBarry) January 20, 2021

The cliff has continued to erode and is retreating back towards the coastal cliff path.