Enhancing coastal resilience in a historic harbour
The Prince of Wales Pier, Polperro Harbour, was originally constructed in 1862. The listed pier plays a critical role in protecting the harbour and supporting the Polperro tidal gate, which reduces flood risk to the village. Positioned at the harbour’s exposed outer edge, the structure is subject to extreme wave action and storm events, making its ongoing resilience essential.
Binnies provided design and construction supervision for the stabilisation and restoration of the Prince of Wales Pier, safeguarding a vital coastal defence structure while preserving its historic character.
The challenge
The seaward-facing sections of the pier had significantly deteriorated, posing a risk to both the structure and the wider flood defence system.
Key issues included:
- large voids behind the stonework causing instability
- a pronounced bulge in the eastern wall at risk of failure
- failing stone facing and deteriorated historical repairs
- undermining at the toe of the structure and widespread cracking.
In addition to structural risks, the project required:
- working within a confined tidal environment
- maintaining harbour operations when possible
- preserving the integrity of a listed heritage asset
- delivering within strict funding and programme constraints.
Our approach
Binnies led the engineering design and construction supervision, developing a solution that stabilised the structure while respecting its heritage and operational constraints.
The approach combined targeted structural repair with comprehensive strengthening.
- Stabilisation of existing masonry
- Voids behind displaced and cracked stonework were pressure grouted
- Bulged areas were carefully cut back and reprofiled
- Foundation and toe strengthening
- Reformation of the toe beam to prevent further settlement
- Strengthening of the base to provide long-term structural integrity
- Structural anchoring and integration
- Installation of stainless steel anchors at multiple levels
- Anchors tied into bedrock and integrated through the structure to bind historic elements
- Reinforced concrete strengthening
- Construction of a 300 mm reinforced concrete jacket along the eastern face and pier head
- Use of patterned formwork to meet listed building consent requirements
- Deck and finishing works
- Installation of new reinforced concrete deck slabs
- Extensive repointing across the structure to complete restoration
Throughout delivery, Binnies provided on-site supervision to ensure quality, safety and compliance with design intent.
Delivery
The project was delivered in partnership with Polperro Harbour Trust, Cornwall Council, the Environment Agency and other stakeholders, with Teignmouth Maritime Services acting as principal contractor.
Despite the challenges of working in a tidal marine environment and the constraints of a heritage structure, the works were completed on programme (September 2024 – March 2025) and delivered within the £2.1 million budget.
Outcomes
- Strengthened the pier’s role in protecting the Polperro tidal gate
- Reduced flood risk to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure
- Safeguarded a historic, listed structure for future generations
- Integrated modern engineering solutions with sympathetic design detailing
- Improved structural integrity to withstand future storms and coastal processes
- Addressed long-standing defects and vulnerabilities
- Achieved a robust, durable solution within funding constraints
- Reduced future maintenance requirements through high-quality materials and detailing
A resilient future for Polperro
This project demonstrates how innovative engineering can enhance resilience in challenging coastal environments while respecting heritage constraints. By combining technical expertise with collaborative delivery, Binnies has helped secure the long-term future of a vital harbour asset, protecting both the community and the character of Polperro.