INFRASTRUCTURE

The Belmont

Walkway Restoration

Today, the Belmont Walkway is a place to stroll, meet friends, enjoy restaurants and dive shops, and watch boats bobbing the water. Before 2012, sections of the walkway were dangerous, broken, and rubble-strewn. It was a damaged waterfront path that no longer reflected the beauty of Bequia. With support from individuals, families, and organizations, Action Bequia led the restoration and transformed the walkway into a safer and stronger public path that residents and visitors could enjoy once again.

before-after

How It Was Done

The Belmont Walkway restoration was carried out in three main stages.

with long-term resilience in mind.

  • Stabilize the damaged base

    Stabilize the damaged base

    Severely damaged sections were filled and secured using dry-mix concrete sacks, stones, and coarse concrete slurry. Dry-mix concrete sacks were also used to secure the waterside face.

  • Rebuild the walkway surface

    Rebuild the walkway surface

    A reinforced broom - finished slab was cast along the restored area, 12 to 18 inches higher than the original level, creating a stronger and more resilient surface.

  • Add wave protection

    Add wave protection

    A substantial boulder breakwater was placed on the waterside to reduce the energy of waves before they reached the walkway. Replacing and augmenting these boulders continues as part of the Walkway Maintenance Programme.

Later improvements included resurfacing in 2023 and solar lighting for nighttime safety.

See The Restoration In Progress

  • Architect Mike Connell

    1 of 11

    Architect Mike Connell, with help from Neil Sanders, both Bequia residents, develop a plan for the restoration of the Belmont Walkway.

  • Pedestrians struggled

    2 of 11

    Pedestrians struggled over the broken-down path and it became increasingly dangerous to use.

  • Architects, skilled craftsmen

    3 of 11

    Architects, skilled craftsmen, and Action Bequia leaders meet to mark the completion of the project.

  • Rocks are packed

    4 of 11

    Rocks are packed under the foundation to stabilize the walkway.

  • Concrete sacks

    5 of 11

    Concrete sacks are installed to increase the height of the walkway and the structure is reinforced with additional rocks.

  • Concrete is poured

    6 of 11

    Concrete is poured between the rocks and the path is widened for safety, deflection of waves, and enjoyment of the walkway.

  • Boulders are

    7 of 11

    Boulders are put in place to add stability and defense from waves. Initial layers of cement are added to the top of the rock layer.

  • Layers of concrete

    8 of 11

    Layers of concrete are added to build up the height of the walkway.

  • Rocks and concrete

    9 of 11

    Rocks and concrete are forced under the walkway to strengthen the foundation

  • The restored walkway

    10 of 11

    The restored walkway makes for an easy commute along the harbor.

  • The beautiful walkway

    11 of 11

    The beautiful walkway is complete and is used daily by hundreds of residents and visitors

Swipe or use the arrows to see how the walkway was rebuilt and protected.
main

Ongoing Maintenance

The Belmont Walkway is not a one - time project. Keeping it safe and usable requires ongoing maintenance, especially in a changing coastal environment where storm activity and sea conditions are unpredictable.

Action Bequia continues to support repairs, resurfacing, and protection work so the walkway remains a safe and welcoming part of Bequia's waterfront.