In August 2005, Blackpool council awarded Birse Civils the contract to protect the town's 11.25km marine frontage. To determine the extent of the north shore and south shore coast protection schemes, site investigations, CPT testing and laboratory testing were performed. Based on the data, the new defences are now being built seaward of the old ones. They comprise two rows of sheet piles with a sloping revetment between them. The work is programmed in seven sections. Within each section, beach works, sea wall and promenade are phased to maintain access and minimize disruption. When completed, this £1bn regeneration program will restore Blackpool as Britain's number one resort.