Neath Port Talbot Council is to begin a major engineering project to repair and strengthen the iconic Aberavon Seafront Promenade providing protection from storms and flooding.

Involving the use of 30,000 tonnes of rock armour (giant stone blocks) the Aberavon Seafront Promenade Coastal Risk Management Scheme will start later this month and take around eight months to complete – ready for next Summer.

The hugely popular Promenade with its well used cycle track is more than a mile (2.1km) long and is supported by concrete walls on the beach side.

The project will involve structural concrete repairs to the existing sea walls, toe protection (works to the lower part of the sea wall where coastal erosion often occurs) with the 30,000 tonnes of rock armour and improved access provisions which will include a new slipway access at the Western end of the promenade near the Scarlet Avenue Car Park.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Engineering, Cllr Ted Latham said:

“The overall objective of the project is to prevent flooding and damage to the coastal area behind the promenade securing existing infrastructure for future generations and encouraging future regeneration and community benefits in the area.”

The scheme is part funded by the Welsh Government through the Coastal Risk Management Programme.

The project will be managed on site by the Council’s contractors Knights Brown. Andrew Eilbeck, the company’s Divisional Director said:

“We’re pleased to be working alongside Neath Port Talbot Council on the Aberavon Coastal Risk Management Scheme to improve the flood protection along the promenade.

“As a local contractor, we are committed to the successful and efficient delivery of the scheme and will be working hard to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and the local area. “

The Welsh Government’s Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:

“We are all aware of the challenges climate change will bring including the devastating impact of flooding and coastal erosion and I am pleased to announce over £2.7m to support this project to strengthen and repair the Aberavon Seafront Promenade.

“This is the first scheme to start construction as part of the Welsh Government’s ambitious Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP) which provides over £150m capital investment in coastal adaptation schemes, protecting over 18,000 homes and businesses across Wales.

“I would like to thank Neath Port Talbot Council and their contractors, Knights Brown, for delivering the scheme which will not only reduce flood and erosion risk but provide wider benefits to the community, including recreational and tourism improvements, ecological enhancements and wider regeneration.”