03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

AN award-winning consultant with vast experience in coastal defence initiatives around the UK is getting on board with Swansea Council for a new venture

The Council has enlisted the services of Amey Consulting to assist in the design of vital flood defence measures along the seawall in Mumbles.

The plans are part of a major upgrade to the seawall to help protect Mumbles from the future risk of flooding and rising sea levels.

The existing seawall was constructed in the last part of the 19th century as part of the Swansea and Mumbles railway extension and has withstood more than a century of high tides.

Last year boreholes were carried out along the promenade to assess the condition of the existing seawall structure.  Studies are now underway to monitor daily sea levels and wave activity – this will help inform the future design of the new sea wall.

Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Enhancement and Infrastructure Management, said: “The seawall in Mumbles has done its job for many decades.

“Inspections of the wall have shown a deterioration of some sections so we want to look at a wider plan to repair and improve this important structure to provide effective flood risk management for Mumbles for many years to come.

“We have now brought in our partners Amey Consulting – who bring with them a wealth of experience in the design and improvement of sea defences elsewhere in the UK.”

Caroline Lewis, Country Director Wales, Amey Consulting, commented: “We’re pleased to have been awarded the Mumbles Coastal Protection Project and to be working with The City Council of Swansea for the first time.

“This project aligns with environmental and sustainable development priorities where we are collectively working to tackle climate change.

“We’ve taken a collaborative approach to partnering, working with JBA Consulting and LDA Design in order to deliver safe and aesthetically-pleasing outcomes for residents and visitors along the Mumbles coastline.”

As well as coastal flood risk management, the scheme will seek to preserve and enhance the promenade and seafront amenities such as slightly widening the promenade at pinch-points.

The Council will also look at other opportunities that could help boost tourism and business opportunities – this will involve creating better links between key elements of Mumbles including the commercial centre of Mumbles, the park area and the sea.

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