A whole 18 months after violent storms caused a 35-metre section of Ventnor’s Eastern Esplanade to collapse into the sea, the public were able to enjoy their first stroll along the newly reopened promenade on Friday (24th May). The safety barriers which have secured the site since November 2022 were taken down this afternoon, restoring an important coastal route between Ventnor and Bonchurch, popular with both walkers and cyclists alike. It marked the end of a successful 12 month project which has seen the Isle of Wight Council invest £4.8 million of government funding into new sea defences, protecting homes and businesses for years to come. Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic director for environment and planning, said:
“As a local resident, raised in Ventnor, I know just how important this coastal route is to the local community and particularly to businesses in the area. “I visited the site shortly after we were forced to close it for public safety and was shocked at the extent of the damage. There was extensive voiding under the revetment with large, heavy concrete slabs seeming floating in mid-air due to undermining by the high tides and ferocious storm surges. “Our early drone footage revealed a horror show of rusting piles and crumbling concreate requiring us to construct a whole new sea wall. It was a huge job made all the more challenging by the exposed nature of the site and the relentless storms which battered the Island. “Once again, I would like to thank the local community not only for their patience and understanding during these important works, but also their support. “I would also like to thank our specialist contractors, Mackley, the Environment Agency, Ventnor Town Council, Island Roads, Southern Water, Jacobs and Coastal Partners for all their support in delivering this extraordinary repair in such a short time frame.”
The works which began in May last year involved piling more than 150 ‘king posts’ into the foreshore, which were then backfilled and capped with concrete to encapsulate the rusting sheet piles. 
“The reopening of the revetment is absolutely crucial to our business. “Being the only flat, dry walk in Ventnor, it is a vital attraction to visitors and locals alike. We recently won The Island’s Best Café award and part of our charm is our location near some of the best walking routes on the Island. “Popping into our café after a jaunt is a draw for so many of our customers and I can’t wait to see more of them soon!”
Councillor Steph Toogood, deputy mayor, said:
“Ventnor Town Council is delighted that the valuable coastal link (revetment) between Ventnor and Bonchurch is now open. “The town appreciate the planning and teamwork that will enable tourists and locals, young and old especially with their canine friends to enjoy this flat coastal walk. “The town council is grateful to have this popular route open for the busy tourist season.”
The project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Integration and Collaborative Working’ category in this year’s Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2024. It is also eligible for a People’s Choice Award which is decided by a public vote. To cast your vote, visit https://www.ce-awards.co.uk/blog-post/722/SECBE-Awards-2024-Finalist-Ventnor-Eastern-Esplanade-Urgent-Works-(submitted-by-Mackley) and scroll to the bottom where you’ll find a voting button. Contactors have a few small remaining tasks to complete next week before they start removing their site cabins and equipment from Monday 3rd June. This will take around 5 days and require some lorry movements within the Eastern Esplanade car park. 
How about the council sorting the land slip blocking access to the far end of the esplanade at East Cowes. It would be considerably cheaper than the work done at Ventnor but it has been going on for years without any sign of being sorted.
Fabulous news –
Now, just extend it round the corner, and it could become the new Ventnor to Shanklin main road. You’re welcome…
The rusty railings on the left could do with some TLC.
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m not planning on going to ventnor for the rest of this life. Now the only route in and out is gradually slipping down the hill it’s out of the question. Shame cos I’d have liked to see the new walkway from town onto the seafront but I’m not completely mental.
Ventnor won’t miss you! it’s ok to bypass!!
I’m sure the whole town will spend months in mourning at this news
I wonder if the old toilet block which is now a cafe in Bonchurch
have cleaned their Teapots!
Lol