Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has completed works on a major £15m coastal defence scheme in North Wales, having delivered a series of improvements at Kinmel Bay designed to reduce flooding risks for more than 2,000 residential and commercial properties.
Appointed by Conwy County Borough Council, the Ruthin-based company procured almost 66,500 tonnes of rock armour to reinforce the revetment between Towyn and Kinmel Bay, with 96 per cent of the material sourced from local quarries.
The scheme also involved raising the existing 2km sea wall by between 560mm and 750mm using precast concrete units, as well as replacing two floodgates to improve resilience against storm conditions and coastal flooding.
To enhance accessibility, eight new stepped or ramped access points were constructed along the beachfront, all fitted with handrails to provide safer access for visitors.
The 12-month programme was carefully phased to minimise disruption, with half of the beach remaining open throughout the works and access to the promenade maintained for all but one week of construction.
Further improvements included upgrades to St Asaph Avenue car park, enhancements to two mini parklets along the seafront, and the installation of new street furniture including benches.
The project placed a strong emphasis on supporting the local community, protecting the environment and looking after the workforce, earning an “Excellent” rating from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Jones Bros’ health, safety and environmental initiatives were also recognised with the Mates in Mind Gold Achievement Award, highlighting the company’s commitment to employee mental wellbeing.
Jones Bros project manager Sam Roberts, who led a team of up to 60 people on site, said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside Conwy County Borough Council to deliver such an important scheme, one that will no doubt help preserve the existing infrastructure from flooding and storm damage.
“As a North Wales-headquartered civil engineering firm, it’s brilliant to procure the rock armour required from five quarries in the region and use local suppliers where possible.
“We’ve also welcomed approximately half-a-dozen Jones Bros apprentices to site to give them a real hands-on experience of what a busy, live scheme looks like, which I know, as a former apprentice myself, provides valuable experience.
“Overall, it’s been a rewarding project to work on and I’m proud of the team for completing the works to such a high standard.”
Conwy County Borough Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Infrastructure, Cllr Mike Priestley, said: “The Kinmel Bay Coastal Defence scheme is about protecting the community while improving the seafront for everyone.
“Made possible through funding from the Welsh Government, the scheme has delivered stronger coastal defences, including raising the existing seawall and rock armour, helping to reduce flood risk both now and in the future.
“Alongside this, we’re enhancing beach access, improving the car park and creating better facilities such as cycle amenities, seating and play areas. Together, these improvements will help make Kinmel Bay a safer, more resilient and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
“I’m pleased that the scheme was delivered by a North Wales contractor, supporting jobs and the local economy during construction.”
Delivering social value was also a key focus throughout the project. Jones Bros sponsored Panthers Under-11s and Prestatyn Sports Under-11s football teams, as well as Rhyl Rugby Club Under-9s.
The company also supported Denbigh & District Amateur Boxing Club to stage a show in Denbigh for the first time in more than 20 years and provided Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog with six barriers and 30 cones for a new construction learning area.
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the UK’s largest plant fleets and employs approximately 550 people.
The company is currently delivering projects across the UK in sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management and renewable energy.
Jones Bros also operates an award-winning apprenticeship scheme that has helped develop a significant proportion of its workforce, with several senior managers beginning their careers as apprentices or trainees. The company has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.
