Working collaboratively with Conwy County Borough Council, we’ve provided the detailed design for a coastal defence and active travel improvement scheme, safeguarding the coastal town of Old Colwyn from the increasing threat of flooding and coastal erosion while enabling more active travel.
Old Colwyn’s sea defences needed improvement, with recent storms causing widespread damage and flooding to the area. This provided the opportunity to implement other changes that were on the council’s agenda, such as promoting eco-friendly travel options and improvements to the bay area.
Through the detailed design of a combined coastal protection and active travel improvement scheme, we developed solutions along the 150m-long frontage, with rock revetments providing the backbone of the flood protection system.
The scheme features the design of a new pedestrian beach access through the new revetment, which will be open to the public and promote seasonal tourism, while protecting the town. The scheme also outlines a suite of active travel improvements options, including a new cycleway layout, improved lighting, new handrailing and improved signage.
The scheme, which is funded by the Welsh Government, will restore access to the seafront and provide amenity space while protecting the town from the risk of flooding during extreme weather events. These improvements will contribute to creating spaces that are both inviting and safe, and provide multiple benefits including not just savings linked to the enhanced flood protection but also improved health and wellbeing.