Mumbles sea defence plans take next major step

PLANS for new sea defences to help protect Mumbles for decades to come have taken another big step forward.

Swansea council’s cabinet has approved the construction cost and the award of the construction contract. In light of the UK’s financial market instability, it also approved detailed discussions for the council to secure funding guarantees from the Welsh Government.

The council will now present its final business case to the Welsh Government for their approval.

If that’s approved, the council-driven project – which has undergone several years of careful planning and consultation – will then move towards construction, a phased approach from late this year to around summer 2024.

The council plans to name the contractor publicly in the coming weeks and continues to keep local ward councillors up to date on the scheme which was granted planning permission in April.

It will work with the contractor to keep the public and businesses updated on how the work on this major construction project will be phased.

Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, told cabinet:

“The Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme (FCERM) has presented us with a significant opportunity to implement a sustainable solution to the current issues of the condition of the Mumbles seawall and to address long-term flood risk affecting the community.

“It will also support the potential of future development and regeneration of the area whilst securing improvements to the amenity and recreation value of the promenade and its use as an important visitor attraction.”