Colchester Borough Council-appointed contractors, Breheny Civil Engineering, are now on site at Fieldgate Quay to complete final investigation surveys and enable repair plans for the damaged piling to be confirmed.
There has been some further movement in the damaged section of piling over the last few weeks. The monitoring of the site has also identified another section of sheet piling showing signs of movement further along the quay, which is being investigated.
Councillor Simon Crow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “Given the nature of the full repairs needed, this work was never going to be a simple quick fix. However, it is a positive next step to have Breheny onsite from next week to complete the final survey works required.
“We are continuing to monitor the damaged section of piling closely to ensure the continued security and safety of the area.
The council is continuing to work closely with CTruk Marine Services to ensure they can continue to operate their business safely adjacent to the site where Breheny are conducting their investigations and ahead of repair works taking place.
Once investigative works are complete, the council will be in a better position to advise on the exact date for repair works to commence. But due to the complex nature of the works and the various statutory permissions needed, re-piling at the site is unlikely to start until the autumn.
As the River Colne is internationally important for wildlife, the council is in consultation with several statutory organisations. An environmental consultant is involved in the planning of these works to minimise the impact to the surrounding biodiversity.
The great partnership work with Anglian Water continues and the council would like to reassure residents that there is no concern about the water outlet pipe at that point in the river. Anglian Water engineers have been working closely with the council on this planned repair from the start and will remain involved whilst repair works are undertaken.
The council is continuing to look at long-term options for regeneration, environmental and public realm improvements to the quayside, working with residents, businesses and other interested groups.
Page last reviewed: 17 August 2021