Across the UK, coastal redevelopment is on the rise. From reimagined lidos and boutique hotels to mixed-use complexes and modern housing, our seafronts are seeing renewed investment. This momentum is driven by a combination of population growth, the economic draw of coastal locations, and a wider shift towards leisure-led placemaking. But these projects bring with them a very particular set of engineering challenges and opportunities.
Coastal environments are among the most technically demanding settings for structural design. Buildings here must contend with saline air, fluctuating groundwater levels, high wind exposure, and in many cases, complex or unstable ground conditions. With sea levels rising and climate events becoming more unpredictable, designing for longevity and resilience is no longer optional – it’s fundamental.
Every coastal site tells a different story. Some are located on open cliffside terrain, requiring detailed ground modelling and foundation design. Others sit closer to the waterline, where flood resilience and lateral stability become central considerations. In these settings, structural engineers must work hand in hand with architects and environmental consultants to deliver solutions that are both durable and refined.
At Clegg, we’re seeing growing demand for structural input at the coast, whether supporting the redevelopment of existing sites or shaping new residential schemes. Our recent experience includes technical delivery for a contemporary cliffside residence along Old Castle Road in Weymouth, where we provided full substructure and reinforced concrete superstructure design within a highly exposed and geologically challenging setting. Meanwhile, in Weston-super-Mare, we’re continuing to support new and prospective projects as part of broader coastal regeneration initiatives.
Across these schemes, common technical themes emerge. The use of corrosion-resistant materials, considered drainage strategies and robust foundation systems underpin most successful designs. Site-specific responses, such as bespoke retaining structures or pile solutions which are often required to deal with variable terrain and long-term movement. Wind loading and uplift pressures must also be factored into any structure sited near the shoreline.
But coastal design isn’t just about technical performance, it’s about sensitivity to place. As engineers, we have a role to play in ensuring new development enhances, rather than detracts from, its setting. Whether that means preserving local character, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, or simply allowing space for water, the best outcomes come from early, collaborative thinking.
In this context, nature-based and hybrid engineering approaches are gaining traction. The integration of soft landscaping, green infrastructure and resilient detailing can enhance both performance and visual appeal. When hard infrastructure works in harmony with natural systems, the result is often a stronger, more sustainable outcome for buildings and for communities.
Structural engineering has a critical role to play in creating places that are not only buildable but also enduring. Places that can stand up to a challenging environment while still delivering beauty, utility and long-term value.