South coast resorts making waves

A huge artificial reef is to be installed off the shore of one of Britain's favourite surfing beaches, in a bid to increase wave size and attract more visitors. Bournemouth will become the first resort in Europe to trial the system, which uses giant sandbags to secure an artificial underwater wall, longer than a football pitch, to the sea floor. The £2.6m 'reef' is due to be completed next summer, according to project manager David Nelson, who claims the project will have no harmful impact on sea life. 'From the land you won't see much except a larger swell' he says, 'and we hope it will actually attract fish and marine life to become a great spot for snorkelling'.

Meanwhile, just down the beach in neighbouring Boscombe, authorities have unveiled their own state-of-the-art building project. The local council recently commissioned Wayne Hemingway, creator of the Red or Dead fashion label, to design a row of beach huts along its famous promenade, as part of a multi-million pound rejuvenation scheme. Described as 'beach pods' and selling for between £60,000 and £90,000, they offer a modern twist on an old favourite and include formica surfaces along with canvas deckchairs.

This story was brought to you by TravelEden.com, the new face of holiday rental accommodation. Keep up to date with the latest travel news, subscribe via RSS today!