Strand Quay

Overview

Noisy piling work from 4 November 2024

We expect these works to commence on 4 November 2024 and for this to last for up to eight days, although it could be less depending on progress.

Our piling activities will take place between 8:30 and 13:00 and then from 13:30 to 16:00. Our piling will not be noisy throughout this entire period but will comprise of a series of bursts of between 30 to 40 minutes each. We have looked to see if we can limit the noisy bursts to specific times during the day but this will be difficult, slow our progress and risks prolonging disturbance overall. 

Again, we apologise for this disturbance and thank you for your patience whilst we return the quay to public use. 

Autumn 2024 update

Welcome to the Strand Quay Access Improvement works information page. Following a condition survey by us, the Environment Agency, the current ladders, fenders and mooring rings were found to be in “poor” condition. We are carrying out renewal works to ensure safe access to the quayside on the River Rother.

The second phase of improvement works began on 12 February 2024 and was due to be completed by Autumn 2024. However, whilst carrying our the Phase 2 improvements to the Strand Quay boating facilities, the project team noted movement of the existing sheet piled walls that form the channel. It will be necessary to undertake remedial works to rectify the movement and to guarantee the safery of the public and users of the pontoon.

Unfortunately this has extended the time needed to complete the works which could contunue as late as December. We thank you for your patience and look forward to returning the quay to public use. 

The Slipway and jetty should be open for use by the end of September and the pontoon works are now substantially complete.

Introduction to Strand Quay

Strand Quay is situated in the centre of Rye, which is accessed from the Harbour of Rye entrance via the River Rother. Since it was originally built between 1936 and 1939 only minor repairs have been carried out and as a result the structures of the Quay all need to be repaired or replaced. 

Historically, almost everybody who visited Rye would come by sea and land at the Strand Quay. Then, the river was wider, and its banks lined with boats all waiting to be unloaded into the black, weather boarded warehouses. The docks finally closed when the A259 was re-routed by the side of the river creating today’s Strand Quay. The old net shops and warehouses have become antique shops, restaurants, cafes, and the wharf is now moorings for yachts. Now Strand Quay is an ideal place to moor up and stay overnight while visiting the town of Rye.

Historic Site Plan Drawing

Why do we need the scheme?

A recent condition survey found the ladders and fenders to be in a “poor” condition. Structural issues were found, such as non-compliant timber access ladders reaching the end of their design life, timber fenders in a poor condition, and an insufficient number of mooring rings along the quay which are poorly designed.

This scheme is needed to provide safe access for boat users and improve the safety of boats mooring at the quay. Successful completion will also allow us to maintain the Rye Harbour navigation assets and keep the navigation open. It will also contribute to reducing the asset maintenance cost and ensuring that only minor refurbishment/maintenance works are required in the following 25 years and align the project with our ambition to be a net zero carbon organisation by 2030.

What are the planned works?

During construction of Phase Two of the works, we will be removing the existing ladders, fenders and mooring rings and replacing them a floating pontoon and access ramp. Repairs will be undertaken on the concrete capping beam where it is deteriorating. This will improve access for visitors by boat to the upstream left bank of the quay for the next 25 years.

We will also be replacing the timber jetty and undertaking repairs to the slipway located at the downstream end of the quay area.

Our current construction work at Strand Quay

Environment Agency 2024

If you have any questions or queries, please contact our customer contact centre on 03708 506 506.