The work, to help protect the community’s homes, businesses and people from rising sea levels for decades to come, will take around 18 months.
It also aims to improve Mumbles as a destination, with new lighting, litter bins, seating and better links to Mumbles Road.
A range of actions will be taken to limit the scheme’s disruption to householders, businesses, events and visitors.
The project is being delivered by Swansea Council in partnership with Welsh Government.
Funding for preparatory work has been met through grant funding with the Welsh Government supplying 85% towards construction through its Coastal Risk Management Programme.
Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “This work at Mumbles will improve flood and coastal erosion protection to around 130 properties and is another great example of the work delivered thanks to our Coastal Risk Management Programme.”
Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Knights Brown through a competitive tender process. Their experience and expertise in marine environments is impressive.”
Knights Brown divisional director Andrew Eilbeck said: “We’re pleased to have been awarded this major sea defence project at Mumbles. It will protect and enhance the local area and its amenities.”
Recent sea defence civil engineering undertaken by Knights Brown includes significant projects at Aberavon, Burry Port and Porthcawl.
Some existing sea defences in Mumbles are in a poor condition and the flood risk level is expected to increase in the future due to predicted sea level rises.
A lack of action would put around 130 homes and businesses at risk.
Work on site is due to start in the next few days, initially with Knights Brown setting up a compound close to the prom and the Oyster House hotel.
Work will see parts of the prom closed to the public in a phased manner throughout the work.
Access to homes and businesses will remain throughout. It is planned that work directly adjacent to businesses abutting the prom will be limited during the peak tourist season, in order to limit any disruption.
Construction noise is likely throughout the major project although it is planned that this will be in daytime where possible.
Other measures taken to limit disruption during the work are planned to include:
- Efforts to minimise a temporary decrease in parking space
- Regular public communication about work progress and travel options
- Consideration of options for the route of the council’s seafront land train
- Consideration of options for the partial re-routing of athletics events
- Timely communication to tourists and the local tourism trade
The council and its contractors plan to keep the public and businesses informed with face-to-face drop-in sessions, newsletters and updates online and in the press.
Full plans – www.bit.ly/MSDplanapp
Photo: Swansea Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens, left, with Knights Brown divisional director Andrew Eilbeck at Mumbles seafront.
