Members of the Economy & Tourism Overview & Scrutiny Panel have recommended that Cabinet accepts the technical solution offered by ASR to improve the performance of the surf reef. They have recommended that this as the best option for achieving the key outstanding performance issue – the ride length and consistency on a right-hand breaking wave.
In a 2 ½ hour meeting, the Panel also recommended that Cabinet authorises officers to negotiate the release of up to £77,500 of the retained £150,000 performance-related monies, towards the cost of the refinement works, but only on completion of those works and upon early receipt of evidence of an improved right-hand breaking wave.
Chairman of the Panel Cllr Robert Chapman, said:
It was important tonight that we heard all points of view, in particular regarding the legal and financial options available to us in terms of payment or otherwise to ASR. Whilst we acknowledge that there are no guarantees that the technical solution proposed by ASR will achieve the desired performance, we accepted the views of the experts, including Dr Mark Davidson from Plymouth University’s School of Marine Science & Engineering, that it represents the best chance of achieving improved surfing on the reef.
We are also recommending that a proportion of the performance-related payment is released to ASR on completion of the works. As a Panel we believe that this represents the most practical way of ensuring ASR return and complete the agreed works, gives the best return on the financial investment already made by the Council, and retains a significant sum to be payable only following a further period of performance monitoring once the works are complete.
Tony Williams, Executive Director for Environment and Economy said:
Officers will now discuss with ASR the timetable for the refinement works. ASR have already stated their commitment to Boscombe’s surf reef, and I know they are keen to return and make the required modifications. We anticipate that, subject to successful discussions, that work will take place in summer 2011. This will allow us to get evidence of improved performance very soon after completion of the remedial works, subject to the prevailing surfing conditions arriving as expected in the autumn.
The Panel heard that a protracted dispute with ASR is unlikely to resolve the issue and may result in significant additional costs to the Council with no guarantee of either dispute resolution or improved performance.
The recommended solution would see four bags placed against the base of the reef in the fast and closing out area of the right-hand wave. Three pillow bags would also be added. This will create a gentler slope on the reef, and a better managed wave.
Three times world surfing champion Andy Irons has been found dead in a Dallas hotel room after withdrawing from a surfing competition in Puerto Rico. Irons was regarded as one of the world’s best competitive surfers and won the world championship in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
The 32-year-old had made the stop on his way home to Hawaii after failing to show up during a competition in Puerto Rico. Officials said he withdrew from the competition the next day, citing an illness he contracted during an event in Portugal.
Public safety officials said he had died from unknown causes. However, according to a report by Hawaii’s Star Advertiser newspaper, an unnamed official at the Dallas Medical Examiner’s Office said that methadone was found in his room. The narcotic was hidden inside a container of prescription sleep aid zolpidem, which was on the nightstand, according to the report.
A statement posted on the website of sponsor Billabong said: ‘The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii’s Andy Irons has died. Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with dengue fever, a viral disease.’
Bournemouth Surf Reef has today reached its first Birthday, however the controversial £3.03m project is still not performing as expected.
Reef contractors ASR Ltd believe £155,000 worth of improvements could enhance the reef’s performance and provide a less challenging wave for stand-up surfers.
In a meeting to be held this evening, councillors must decide if they will pay ASR to return. However, the New Zealand-based firm say they are not willing to come back and make those improvements without a guarantee that they will receive at least half of the £150,000 retainer currently being withheld by Bournemouth council.
A statement on ASR’s website says:
ASR is encouraged to hear that the task and finish group will be suggesting our technical proposal as the primary recommendation for moving forward.
They have also confirmed that no additional money will be allocated towards Boscombe Reef and that the remedial work, as was always part of the plan, will come from the amount withheld by the Bournemouth Borough Council. In the meantime, local surfers have taken to the media in an effort to prove to the world that Boscombe Reef not only works but also creates an exciting and challenging wave. Recent surfing competitions and excellent conditions continue to prove the value of Boscombe Reef as a recreational amenity.
ASR continues to work cooperatively with the Bournemouth Borough Council in an effort to enhance and maximize the value of Boscombe Reef. ASR is proud to have contributed to the successful Boscombe Spa Village Regeneration Project and commends the council for completing the first multi-purpose reef in the Northern Hemisphere.
