AOL

Europe's artificial surf reef will be constructed by year end

The deadline for Europe's first artificial surf reef along the South Coast has been announced.

The reef in Boscombe, Dorset, is expected to be finished by the end of October depending on the weather.

Bournemouth Borough Council has signed a deal with New Zealand-based ASR Ltd to construct the reef by December 31 at the latest.

Council leader Stephen MacLoughlin said: "The deal has been done to bring the long-awaited surf reef to Boscombe to revive the area.

"It will be the most innovative sports and tourist attraction in the South.

"The public can be assured that the reef will definitely be completed at the latest by the end of this year.

"ASR Ltd had previously been commissioned as designers of the reef and will now use their expert knowledge in this highly complex marine construction project to achieve the performance requirements specified by the council."

The council has placed the £500,000 order for enough specialist bags and webbing base to cover a football pitch.

They will be submerged 225 metres out to sea, east of Boscombe Pier in Dorset, to create the reef.

The first of three deliveries, which will include the webbing base and first section of the bottom layer of bags, is due to arrive in Southampton Docks, Hants, in late June.