Leading civil engineering firm Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has started work on the third phase of a major coastal defence programme in North Wales. The company was appointed by Conwy County Borough Council to deliver shoreline improvements at Old Colwyn aimed at reducing the impact of extreme weather on the promenade and surrounding infrastructure.
The Victorian seaside resort is regarded as one of the most vulnerable stretches of coastline in the area, with ageing defences at increasing risk of failure during severe storms. The promenade, which helps protect key infrastructure including the A55 and the London-Holyhead railway line, is regularly closed when waves breach the existing sea wall.
Under the £4 million scheme, Jones Bros will procure 14,000 tonnes of rock armour to strengthen 100 metres of coastline, with materials sourced from North Wales quarries wherever possible.
The project will also see the existing sea wall and promenade raised by approximately 1.5 metres along a further 160-metre section of coastline, improving resilience against coastal flooding and extreme weather conditions.
A workforce of up to 30 people, including apprentices and subcontractors, will demolish existing access points before installing new perpendicular stairways, crossover steps and an extended outfall structure.
Sam Roberts, Project Manager at Jones Bros, said: “It’s brilliant to be working alongside Conwy County Borough Council once again to deliver a hugely important coastal defence scheme for the community of Old Colwyn.
“Our recent developments in Kinmel Bay and Penrhyn Bay put us in a strong position, as we have existing relationships with local suppliers and the experience to deliver these vital improvements.
“As with every project we undertake, we will be in close contact with residents and have implemented extensive measures to ensure locals, promenade users and surrounding businesses encounter minimal disruption during the construction period.”
An on-site information cabin will be available throughout the works, which are scheduled for completion in late 2027.
Mike Priestly, cabinet member for Environment, Roads and Infrastructure at Conwy County Borough Council, said: “This project represents another significant and exciting piece of the jigsaw in the transformation of our coastline. Having been involved in this scheme from the very beginning, it is incredibly rewarding to see another phase moving forward and delivering real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.
“These improvements are about far more than coastal defence. They form part of a wider regeneration vision that will help protect vital infrastructure, improve accessibility, enhance the promenade experience and ensure this stretch of coast can be enjoyed safely for generations to come.
“I am delighted to see work commence on this latest phase and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community, helping to secure a stronger, safer and more attractive seafront for future generations.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros employs around 570 people and owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK.
The company is currently delivering projects across the highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management and renewable energy sectors throughout the UK.
Jones Bros also operates an award-winning apprenticeship programme, which has helped develop a significant proportion of its workforce, with a number of senior managers having started their careers as apprentices or trainees. The business has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.