It was announced last week that the highly-publicised artificial surf reef at Bournemouth (Weight's Reef) will actually cost £2.68 million, now that contracts have been signed with ASR Limited. This compares with the original estimate of £1.35 million. The increases are being attributed to increasing construction costs, delays to the project, and a higher reef specification. In addition, the contract also guarantees the reef's completion this year, as well as guaranteeing its performance.

At a recent meeting with local surfers, officials were philosophical about the increases, saying that the investment had already yielded rich dividends in the regeneration of Boscombe Spa Village. The £9.66 million Barratt Homes development of seafront apartments at Honeycombe Chine is a development of 169 apartments in a fantastic location, directly overlooking the artificial surf reef. In addition, the old Boscombe Overstrand building is being imaginatively converted to 'surf-pods', catering, retail, changing facilities and beachfront / lifeguard offices. The historically stunning Victorian landscape of Boscombe Chine Gardens has already been given a much-needed face-lift.

Whilst the Federation of Small Businesses has been fully in support of the regeneration plans, local residents are fearful that the scheme would devalue local properties and create parking and traffic problems.