New boardwalk improves beach accessibility

Thanet District Council and Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council are working together to install a new wooden boardwalk to improve access to Viking Bay from Broadstairs Harbour car park. 

The project is being funded by Broadstairs Town Council, and the installation is being managed by Thanet District Council officers. 

The boardwalk will be wider than the existing installation, to allow pedestrians to pass each other and to allow better access for people with disabilities. The installation is expected to be complete by the end of June 2023. 

Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services, said: “It is important to us that our beaches are accessible to as many people as possible. This upgraded boardwalk is a very welcome addition to Viking Bay, and will mean that many more residents and visitors can enjoy time on the sand.” 

A spokesperson from Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council said: “Improved accessibility in Broadstairs and St Peter’s, especially at Viking Bay, has been a priority of the Town Council for some time. We are delighted to be able to bring the first project to fruition by means of partnership working with Thanet District Council.” 

These works have been funded by Southern Water, in recognition of water quality issues experienced in the district. You can read more about the coastal projects that have been identified for repairs and restoration on our website. 

In addition, Beach within Reach is a scheme operated by Your Leisure, that enables visitors to access our beaches in specially designed all-terrain wheelchairs. The wheelchairs will be available at Minnis Bay, Birchington; St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate; Westbrook Bay, Margate; Stone Bay and Viking Bay in Broadstairs.

For more information on Beach within Reach, email beachhuts@yourleisure.uk.com or call 03333 660661.