An artificial surf reef which is currently under construction at Boscombe, near Bournemouth, Dorset, looks set to cost more than was originally anticipated following delays to the project.

The £2.68m scheme, which will create the first artificial reef in the northern hemisphere 225m (738ft) off the Dorset coast, was due to be completed late last year but has been delayed due to poor weather.

Work is expected to resume in April on the construction of the reef, and Bournemouth Borough Council hopes that it will be fully operational by this autumn.

However, a council report has found that it will cost an extra £169,000 to replace sand that has been lost following what has been a wet and windy winter, while an additional £70,000 will be required to flatten a temporary dune to further protect it.

The report also revealed that £100,000 will be needed to pay the project's contractors, New Zealand-based marine consultant, ASR.

Once complete, the reef will increase the number of surfing days at Boscombe and has been designed to provide grade-5 waves on a day with good swell. On calmer days, a lagoon will be created along the shoreline to ensure safe, flat conditions for beach users.

Image: Bournemouth Tourism