Construction work is set to get underway on a major project which will see more than a kilometre of new sea defences built in Swansea to protect residents, businesses and homes at risk of rising sea levels. Work will begin in the next few weeks in Mumbles, meaning parts of the promenade will be closed to the public at different times over the next 18 months.
Access to homes and businesses will remain in place throughout the project, which will also include new lighting, litter bins, seating and improved road links in an attempt to improve Mumbles as a destination. Crucially, Swansea Council and the main contractor have agreed that work being carried out next to businesses based on the promenade will not take place during the peak tourism season.
While construction noise is likely, it is planned that the majority of work will take place during the daytime. Contractors will set up a base near the Oyster House Hotel, with the project taking shape between Knab Rock slipway and Oystermouth Square, a distance of 1.2km. You can keep up to date with the latest Swansea news by signing up to the local newsletter here.
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Swansea Council has said the plans have been made with the help of an extensive consultation, and will include more space for pedestrians and cyclists, the protection of trees, and more opportunities for relaxation. The project will also, the council has stressed, protect the Mumbles community from flooding and the risk of rising tides.
Work will include widening the existing promenade to create a ‘share with care’ pedestrian footpath and cycleway, along with improved seating, views and landscaping.
The council has said some existing defences are in a poor condition and that doing nothing would put a number of homes and businesses at risk of flooding. Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “With help from the Welsh Government’s coastal risk management programme we’re addressing both the condition of the Mumbles seawall and the community’s long-term flood risk. Visual improvements to the area will create a greener, sustainable and attractive waterfront - an asset to the local community and an attraction for visitors.
"The improved sea defences will protect homes, businesses and leisure areas from the effects of rising sea levels for the foreseeable future. The aim is to be sensitive to Mumbles as a seaside visitor destination while protecting people and property. In line with the public’s wishes, it will reflect the area’s heritage and culture, will improve biodiversity and will allow cyclists and pedestrians to use the same exceptional prom space – and share with care. There’ll be improved lighting, more litter bins, more seating – and quality materials will be used.
"Trees will be protected. The project will make pedestrian links between the prom and Mumbles Road businesses much better. Separately, we’ll take a close look at how Mumbles Road can be made safer – and that may include a cycling route for those who wish to reach their destination quickly.”
Julie James, the Welsh Government minister for climate change, said: “As we address the climate emergency, I am pleased to be providing Swansea Council with 85% of the funding for these works. Coastal communities must adapt to rising sea levels and this scheme will help do just that, by improving the flood and coastal erosion protection to around 130 properties in Mumbles. The works will also provide wider benefits by promoting the sustainability of the community and securing well-being objectives.”
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