Holbeck Hall Landslide

Holbeck Hall Landslide

1. Background

   • Where: Scarborough, UK
   • When: 3rd-5th June 1993

2. Event

   • Hotel collapsed into the sea due to a landslide
   • A rotational slide moved almost 1 million tonnes of glacial till
   • 70m of cliff was cut back
   • A 135m projector formed at the cliff base

3. Causes

   • 140mm of rainfall in 2 months before
   • Drainage issues on the slope
   • Geology meant the slope was susceptible to mass movement
   • Undercutting of the slope with cliff top footpaths
   • Hotels foundations and car park prevented natural drainage

4. Impacts

   • Scarborough's only 4 star hotel destroyed
   • Cliff path routes had to be diverted
   • No deaths or injuries caused by the landslide
   • Large financial cost to the hotel owners
   • Beach area was closed over safety fears

5. Short Term Reaction

   • The remainder of the hotel was demolished
   • The site was made safe to keep out the public
   • Emergency works took place to protect surrounding buildings
   • Utilities cut off and made safe

6. Long Term Reaction

   • Reconstruction of the coastal paths
   • Structural work on the ground to prevent further movement
   • Creation of a new cliff side habitat
   • Increased building insurance costs