Boscombe surf reef

[surf patrol]

However living in the area it is clear that as a PR exercise it has been a huge success... It clearly does bring people into boscombe, not necessarily to surf but they do spend money.

This seemed to be the line from locals who were interviewed in the BBC piece I saw

[market-research]

a few opposing views that are informative

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industr ... rd-6m-reef

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/d ... _failings/

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8 ... surf_reef/

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/f ... surf_reef/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/engl ... 688693.stm

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8 ... estigator/

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8 ... ef/?ref=mr

Magicseaweed has some good discussion as does the echo when you search for reef stories
Stuff.co.nz is a good place to find info on the opunake reef, as is surfline .

Also in response to the last post Bournemouth is now rated as sixth or ninth (not sure) most popular destination in the Uk which is a big success.

Personally I think maybe the builders are getting a bit of a raw deal?
Its been real achievement to bring that much sand in that many bags and then place deep in the water like that so far away from their home base , i can understand the cost as it must cost heaps to transport sand that far?

What I have a problem with though is an undergraduate getting the results right when a number of Phd's got it as a 4/10?
But thats Nature for you?
Especially the ocean!

[kitesurfer]

So M-R what exactly is your connection with ASR?

KS

[tree4]

Not content with lying about the reef, the council now wants to invent its own weather forecast so that even more people come visit the white elephant.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8695103.stm

[xswind]

So M-R what exactly is your connection with ASR?

KS

Nice line.

[market-research]

a tad facetious maybe? I was talking about bringing the sand from downunder! thats what the cost suggests?
poor attempt at humour but I think everyones past their tolerance level and maybe jokes are not appropriate now?
A dispute in Florida, A dispute in Taranake (Opanake reef), another two rumoured and now a dispute in Bournemouth - maybe their stock value is a bit depressed at the moment.
No I dont hold shares (fortunately) )

[kitesurfer]

Also in response to the last post Bournemouth is now rated as sixth or ninth (not sure) most popular destination in the Uk which is a big success.

Agreed but this is because we have great fish and chips not because of the surf reef!

KS

[kitesurfer]

I was talking about bringing the sand from downunder! thats what the cost suggests?

Only a fool would transport sand across the world to fill up sand bags for a reef when in fact the bay in which it was built huge amounts of sand, but wait don't tell me its the wrong colour sand!

KS

[kitesurfer]

Groan and the saga continues!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-10628789

KS

[tree4]

LMAO (now I live in Devon)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-18265006

[surf patrol]

Must have missed the announcement:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-26992567

Here's a good summary of what's gone on since the start:

• January 2007 - Work begins to revamp Boscombe Pier alongside development of artificial reef
• October 2007 - Reef expected to be 12 months late following fishermen's complaints
• May 2008 - Council finalises deal with ASR Ltd to complete project by end of the year
• July 2008 - Construction begins at secret location in Poole
• November 2008 - Work suspended due to poor weather
• April 2009 - Work resumes
• October 2009 - Reef completed
• November 2009 - Reef opens
• March 2010 - First surfing contest hailed a success by organisers
• May 2010 - The quality of the waves are deemed "sub-standard" in report
• November 2010 - Safety report reveals "hazards" in reef structure
• December 2010 - Council agrees improvement plan with ASR Ltd
• March 2011 - Reef closes over safety concerns after boat propeller damages structure
• April 2011 - Repair work begins
• May 2012 - ASR Ltd misses repair deadline
• September 2012 - ASR Ltd goes into liquidation
• November 2013 - Council receives insurance settlement
• February 2014 - Coastal activity park designs unveiled
• April 2014 - Coastal activity park and surf reef open

[CARBr6]

I wonder whether they will have made any improvements to it or whether it'll still be a bit rubbish?
I, for one, will be keeping an eye on MSW and getting my little wagon down there to check it out when the swell comes in to visit.

[drowningbitbybit]

I wonder whether they will have made any improvements

Nope, it's still on the south coast of england

[surf patrol]

Latest video of the reef. Looks like the repairs have been successful.

[jaffa1949]

Hey SP the date on this post is wrong by 28 days to be exact!

[kitesurfer]

Its great they show a photo of surfers at bournemouth pier not on the reef. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-26992567

I also especially like the line "The artificial reef will be used primarily for snorkelling activities for families " until the winter storm come and wash it away

KS

[jaffa1949]

England must be boring at times if snorkelling on sand inside a plastic bag is an attraction.
But it probably is more exciting than cricket!
Ferret legging is still in with a chance though!

[Roy Stewart]

The Mount Maungnui reef is now officially a complete failure and is to be removed at a cost of NZ$60k

[jaffa1949]

ASR without an E is obviously an anagram of the company's management and reef building skill.
They couldn't stuff sand in a sausage

[kitesurfer]

ASR without an E is obviously an anagram of the company's management and reef building skill.
They couldn't stuff sand in a sausage

On that note i once tried to organise a piss up in a brewery and discovered it's actually harder than it might first seem.
First attempt got snowed off and the second attempt our designated driver and minibuss let us down. However thrid time was lucky.

KS