Jones Bros begins work on multi-million-pound Kinmel Bay defence project11th Nov 2024

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has started work on the crucial coastal defence scheme in Kinmel Bay.

The Ruthin-headquartered company, appointed by Conwy County Borough Council, is utilising its expertise to deliver the £13m development.

Around 80,000 tonnes of rock armour, sourced from North Wales quarries, will be procured and imported to strengthen the current revetment between Towyn and Kinmel Bay.

Jones Bros will also raise just under 2km of existing sea wall by 500-750mm and replace two floodgates aspart of plans to minimise the impact of turbulent weather and associated coastal flooding.

Earlier this year, the effects of Storm Pierrick meant that residents of Kinmel Bay were on standby to evacuate their properties, with an estimated 10-20 reported to have been marooned after seawater struck Sandy Bay.

Speaking to North Wales Live, Towyn & Kinmel Bay Town councillor Barry Griffiths outlined the need for improved defences.

He said: “Flooding is a long shadow that hangs over Sandy Bay. Even if people get an inch of water in their homes, for just half-an-hour, it could mean a year in temporary accommodation and dealing with insurance adjustors.”

The seafront is to benefit from enhancements, with improved beach access, car park upgrades, and the installation of street furniture.

Completion is scheduled for spring 2026, with Jones Bros set to have up to 50 staff, including apprentices and trainees, across the scheme, as well as an information cabin in place on site to keep the local community updated.

The project team has carried out letter drops ahead of the work starting and a community drop-in session was held in September, allowing members of the public to ask questions about the development.

Jones Bros project manager Sam Roberts said: “It’s only too evident that there is a real need for improvements to be made to the coastal defences.

“We as a company know that it’s a development of real significance, especially with 95 per cent of staff currently on the scheme calling North Wales home.

“We’ve got vast experience in the sector having worked across both the region and the wider UK, so our expertise can benefit the community.

“As with every project we undertake, we will be liaising closely with the local people, as well as utilising the supply chain that is on our doorstep.”

Funding from the Welsh Government Coastal Risk Management Programme is covering 85 per cent of construction costs, with Conwy County Borough Council responsible for the remaining 15 per cent.

A council statement said: “The length of coastline at Kinmel Bay is threatened by flooding due to climate change, causing the sea level to rise and more frequent large storms.

“In some, places existing coastal defences need to be strengthened and increased in height.

“The coastal defences along this stretch of coastline are in varying conditions. They were not designed for the projected sea level rise and increasing storminess we can expect in the future.

“Sections of the beach will be closed to the public for this work to be done safely. Once we have completed sections of work, access to the beach will be re-opened in phases.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company continues to run apprenticeships with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.