Mumbles coastal protection project

We're upgrading and refurbishing the Mumbles coastal sea defences.

The work will reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses that are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels brought about by climate change.

Funding for new defences was secured from the Welsh Government - and we are pleased that the thoughts of the public, business and others helped to shape this significant project.

Location and planned improvements

The work will strengthen the defences along Mumbles promenade for a distance of around 1km.

The new defences will protect nearby homes, businesses and amenities.

They include sections such as a vertical sea wall and sloping revetment (retaining wall); these support the prom, providing leisure opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists, residents and visitors.

Mumbles coastal protection scheme - promenade (map) (PDF) [4MB]

Mumbles coastal protection scheme - site location / extent (map) (PDF) [4MB]

Due to their age and erosion, the defences became defective. For many years we've undertaken frequent repairs.

Our new work is repairing or replacing existing sea defence structures, providing better protection from the sea.

We were pleased that Mumbles residents, businesses and others gave us their thoughts on our plans - and they can continue to do so.

Examples of the sea defences before we began work are seen below, showing the poor structural conditions which demanded attention.

Project timeline

Project timeline
19th century	Sea defences built
20th and 21st centuries	Defences maintained; climate change advances; sea levels rise
2015	Welsh Government launches the Coastal Risk Management Programme; funding to be made available for areas at risk of flooding. Swansea Council begins considering how Mumbles could be protected in future.
2018	Outline business case submitted by the council to address long-term flood risk and deteriorating defences. Council secures Welsh Government support for a scheme estimated to cost around £14m. The council will pay £2m of this, the Welsh Government £12m.
2019	Tests assess condition of seawall structure. Public engagement begins to inform Mumbles people of the project progress.
2020	Imperial College London studies Mumbles sea levels and wave activity. Data will help inform design of the new defences. Council appoints Amey Consulting as design partner; they'll work with the council to fully design the scheme. Welsh Government launches its National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) (opens new window)
2021	Initial plan for scheme delivered to council cabinet members. Welsh Government announce funding for a number of Swansea schemes (opens new window), including £495,000 to formulate a full business case and design - and £674,036 to start construction - for the Mumbles scheme, protecting more than 120 properties. Funding also secured for flood risk areas such as Birchgrove, Blackpill, Killay, Llys Dol (Morriston), Gorseinon, Clydach, Cockett, West Cross and Llansamlet. May - June Public consultation on sea wall Public consultation on future opportunities June - July Consultation feedback to council and public Summer Detailed design process takes place Planning application process starts with detailed design - including public consultation
2023	First quarter Main construction starts
2025	Construction due to end

What it will look like

(click on images to view larger versions)

More information

These reports are among those available for all to study on the project's planning application web page:

Ecological appraisal (report by JBA Consulting)
Flood consequence assessment (JBA Consulting)
Green infrastructure strategy (LDA Design)
Heritage assessments (JBA Consulting)
Tree Survey (Mackley Davies Associates)

Main contractor's project website - Knights Brown (opens new window)