Work on a major flood defence scheme in south-east Cardiff is ongoing to protect homes, businesses, and key infrastructure from flooding, coastal erosion and the impacts of rising sea levels.
When complete, the coastal defence scheme will safeguard 1,116 residential and 72 non‑residential properties, businesses, and infrastructure including Rover Way, Welsh Water pumping stations, the steelworks, and local electricity assets, Cardiff Council said.
The scheme will also deliver improvements to the Wales Coast Path and enhance landscaping along the shoreline. All necessary consents, including planning permission, a marine licence, Crown Estate approvals, a Habitat Regulations Assessment, and an Environmental Impact Assessment are in place.
Construction of the scheme began in October 2024 with the first phase involving the installation of rock armour along the coastline. In total, 120,000 tonnes of rock will be used, with 80,000 tonnes already installed and a further 10,000 tonnes currently on site. All materials are sourced from three Welsh quarries, supporting local supply chains.
The next phase of works involves piling steel sheets 19 metres into the ground to stabilise and reinforce the coastline. This “wall” of steel is currently being installed, and when the piling is complete, all sheet piles will stand at one metre above ground level.
Various piling methods are being used to ensure the sheeting is driven into the ground effectively. To date, 262 sheet piles have been installed, with 90 of these reaching the full design depth.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, said:
“As a coastal city, Cardiff is at risk from flooding, especially as sea levels rise and storms become more common. The delivery of this scheme is progressing well, with most of the rock armour now installed and the steel sheet piling clearly visible.
“We want to reassure residents and businesses that all sheet piles will be driven into the ground to a height of one metre above ground level, so the finished appearance will be very different from what you can see on site today.
“Construction will continue in phases over the coming months, with further rock armour and piling works along the foreshore. This major investment will strengthen Cardiff’s coastal resilience, protect communities and infrastructure, and improve public access and the coastal environment for years to come.”
Under the current programme, the project is anticipated to be completed by September 2028.
