Dyke and boulevard in one

Scheveningen, the Netherlands' most popular coastal city, has undergone a metamorphosis. The beach has been widened and a dyke provides the base for a brand-new, two-kilometer-long boulevard. This boulevard/esplanade is a unique example of the combination of safety and a beautiful design.

(Excavators on a beach.)

VOICE-OVER:Minister Schultz van Haegen opened Scheveningen's renewed esplanade.
Following three and a half years of work,
Scheveningen is no longer a weak spot in our coastal defences.
The project meets an aim
of the Delta programme: a safe, economically strong coast.

MINISTER SCHULTZ VAN HAEGEN: The water safety problem has been solved
and is combined with a pleasing layout.
Work was needed to be done to the dyke
but instead of a wider dyke with less beach and tourism,
the dyke and esplanade have been combined.

VOICE-OVER: This project is a good example of Holland's new approach to water.

SCHULTZ VAN HAEGEN: It was one of eight weak links on our coast,
places no longer able to cope with a serious storm.

ADRI BOM-LEMSTRA: A new safe dyke has been built by making it high enough,
pouring sand onto the shore in front so the waves impact on it less,
and by making it slope, so the waves also pound on it with less force.
All this together creates a safe dyke.

SCHULTZ VAN HAEGEN: It's ideal for cities with a lack of space
and a great export product.

(Holland's coat of arms against a pale blue background. On-screen text: This was a production of the Dutch Government.)