Jun 25 - Newly Refurbished Sandy Bay Officially Inaugurated
Tourism Minister Neil Costa this morning officially inaugurated Sandy Bay following an extensive period of large-scale refurbishments that have been carried out at the beach over the last year.
Major coastal protection and regeneration works have completely transformed Sandy Bay from its almost non-existent state, into a sizeable beach, laid and enlarged with approximately 50,000 tons of sand imported from Layounne in the Western Sahara.
The project was commenced following engineering studies of the coastal processes affecting the beach.
Dutch firm Van Oord (Gibraltar) Ltd, an experienced coastal engineering contractor, has executed the works in conjunction with the Government’s Technical Services Department.
Two curved groynes and a frontal breakwater have also been constructed to protect the beach from the full erosional impact of wave action and trap shifting sand.
The project has been extended to include a submerged breakwater connecting the ends of both groynes.
Minister Costa noted that the enlarged Sandy Bay together with a permanent solution to protect the beach from disappearing was ‘an engineering feat in its own right.’
He added, ‘this beach was always a popular choice with Gibraltarians and we are thrilled at the prospect of returning it to its former splendour. As a Government, we have delivered our manifesto commitment to fully restore this forgotten beach for the benefit and enjoyment of us all.’
As the project brought together the Ministries of Tourism, Environment and Technical Services, Dr. Cortes and Minister Paul Balban for their part commented that the work was a permanent solution to protect the beach from the elements, and they were delighted that it will once again form a part of Gibraltar’s choice of beaches.
