Bournemouth beach: Southbourne cliff lift to reopen soon

The Fisherman’s Walk lift in Southbourne that connects the cliff to the beach has had ongoing works over the winter and spring to repair issues.

BCP Council aimed for the lift to reopen during Easter, with the date then being pushed back until the end of May.

However, the lift has yet to open.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "These essential repairs to the Fisherman’s Walk cliff lifts are in progress, and involve major improvements to the cabs and chassis.

“Following some remedial works to the steps and toll houses, and necessary safety inspections, we hope to be able to re-open the attraction in the next few weeks.”

Although the lift is being reopened for the summer months, it is set to close again this winter for further repairs.

READ MORE: Fisherman's Walk cliff lift on track for summer return 

READ MORE: Fisherman's Walk cliff lift in Bournemouth needs repair work

BCP Council said the works are part of an ‘ongoing project’ and work will continue on October 31.

These further works are budgeted to cost between £90,000 and £110,000.

The Fisherman’s Walk cliff lift is one of two in Bournemouth run by the council along with one on the West Cliff. They are usually open from Easter until the end of October subject to the weather.

There used to also be a third facility on the East Cliff but it was forced to close following a large landslide in 2016 and never returned to use.

It was previously reported that concerns from residents over the condition of the Fisherman’s Walk lift were raised by Boscombe councillor George Farquhar at a meeting in December 2022.

Speaking at the time Cllr Farquhar said failure to ensure the service is operational could leave people with accessibility needs with no way of getting to the beach.

Then portfolio holder for environment and place Cllr Mark Anderson said the cliff lifts were an historic part of the seafront and there were no plans to close the facility permanently.