New Mumbles seafront play area opens as part of coastal revamp

The Seaview play area stretches from Southend Gardens towards The George and has sweeping views across Swansea Bay. Made from tough, salt‑resistant timber, it features a slide, bouldering walls, a balance trail and hammock — designed to weather decades of seaside use.

Sunday’s opening drew a crowd of locals after an open invite went out on social media. Popular traders including Gower Seafood Hut and Bibby’s Beans have relocated their pitches alongside the new facility, with The Village Creperie set to join them.

The play area links with the existing Southend Gardens playground, creating an extended space for families to enjoy. It’s part of wider works that include 1,400 festoon lights along the prom, 40 newly‑planted trees, and strengthened coastal defences expected to protect homes and businesses for “many decades to come.”

A boost for families and businesses

Council leader Rob Stewart said the focus was on making the revamped seafront “family‑friendly” while drawing visitors into Mumbles. Cabinet member Andrew Stevens thanked residents for their patience during construction, which he said had been met with “overwhelmingly positive” feedback.

The sea defence scheme was formally opened by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies in July. Minor landscaping around Hennebont Gardens will follow after the summer tourism season.

Across the city, the council is investing £8 million to upgrade dozens of community play areas, part of an ongoing push to improve free play facilities.

#CllrAndrewStevens #CllrRobStewart #Mumbles #MumblesPromenade #playArea #SeaDefences #SouthendGardens #SwanseaCouncil #treePlanting

Mumbles coastal flood defence scheme officially opens

The Mumbles Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP), delivered by Swansea Council and Knights Brown Construction, includes a newly engineered seawall, reinforced coastal protection works, and a widened promenade that now offers improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.

In total, the scheme reduces the risk of flooding to 126 properties, including more than 50 businesses along this iconic stretch of the Swansea Bay coastline.

Among those welcoming the changes is Hiatus, a new lifestyle and eco-conscious shop opened by Matt Bryer. Manager Lily Ella Westacott said: “Our shop backs on to the seafront—and we’re delighted the prom work is complete. It’s a big improvement to the local environment and we’re confident it’ll bring more people to enjoy Mumbles—and to boost us and neighbouring businesses.”

The project isn’t just about physical infrastructure—it’s brought wider cultural, economic and educational benefits to the area. During construction, the scheme created new work opportunities for local people, with apprenticeships and placements helping to build careers in civil engineering and site management. Archaeological discoveries made during excavation—including rediscovered coastal artefacts—sparked interest among local history groups and school visitors, connecting the past with the future of Mumbles’ shoreline.

A series of public artworks were also unveiled along the new sea defence walls earlier this year, including designs by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones, whose tide-inspired mosaics and carved installations reflect the area’s maritime heritage. These creative additions complement the promenade’s redesigned layout, which also improves access to Oyster Wharf and supports new development plans along the waterfront.

Unveiling the scheme’s commemorative plaque on the promenade, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who leads on Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: “As well as responding to the ongoing challenges of climate change by reducing flood risk, the many benefits of this scheme will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come. Safeguarding our communities from the catastrophic results of flooding and coastal erosion is of utmost importance to me in this role, and for this Government.”

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said the scheme strengthens one of Wales’ most cherished coastal destinations. “This fantastic coastal protection scheme is crucial for Mumbles and Swansea,” he said. “It’ll protect one of Wales’ most beloved coastal communities and will further strengthen the tourism industry which is already worth around £660m to the Swansea economy every year. The project is the result of an enormous amount of planning, collaboration, expertise and commitment to the future.”

The Welsh Government provided 85% of the £26.5m construction funding through its wider £291m CRMP programme, with Swansea Council contributing the remaining 15%. The £1m development phase was also fully funded by Welsh Government.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Sea defences project creates new work opportunities
Local apprentices and trainees gain hands-on experience through Swansea Council’s partnership with Knights Brown.

More artwork unveiled at Mumbles sea defence project
New public art installations celebrate Mumbles’ coastal identity and community heritage.

Local artist brings life to new sea defence walls
Swansea artist Catrin Jones creates tide-inspired mosaics and carvings for the new promenade.

History enthusiasts learn of rediscovered artefacts at Mumbles sea defence site
Excavation works uncover historic coastal features, sparking interest among local heritage groups.

Fresh developments for the new-look Mumbles seafront
Improved access and landscaping pave the way for new investment and visitor experiences.

#featured #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #Mumbles #MumblesPromenade #SeaDefences #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WelshGovernment

Sea defences project creates new work opportunities

The Knights Brown workforce – including sub-contractors – attached to Swansea Council’s Mumbles coastal protection project has numbered up to 100 every day.

Among them are a number of workers hired by the firm during the course of the scheme.

Once complete, the council says the strengthened sea wall and improved prom will protect the community for generations to come and attract many thousands of visitors.

Apprentice civil engineer Porsche Demery, aged 18, of Morriston, said: “I’m proud to be working on such an important project.

“There are always challenges as with any major scheme, there are problems to solve and a huge range of tasks to complete. Every day’s different.

“I’m excited to be part of the construction industry – it has a wide range of jobs and helps people develop a wide range of skills.”

Apprentice quantity surveyor Brandon Worth, aged 22, of Port Talbot, said: “My role with Knights Brown has allowed me to make a real-life impact on the Mumbles coastal protection scheme.

“I’ve been able to broaden my skillset and I’m being treated really well by everybody here – the Knights Brown workforce is really supportive.

“I was attracted to the industry because it offers the ability to make towns and cities more inviting and environmentally friendly.”

Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens, said: “It’s great to see new work skills being developed on our Mumbles project.

“It illustrates that local communities are benefiting from the scheme, by getting people into work.

“I thank Knights Brown, our main contractors, working with us to create a number of new posts to help them deliver this scheme on our behalf.

“The result will be Mumbles becoming a more resilient and attractive visitor destination.”

Knights Brown divisional director Andrew Eilbeck said: “We are proud of our dedication to apprenticeships, which demonstrates our commitment to nurturing local talent and offering valuable opportunities for individuals beginning their careers in the industry.

“Through the Mumbles Coastal Protection Scheme, we are pleased to contribute to the community by promoting skill development and supporting sustainable employment, leaving a lasting and positive legacy for the local area.

“We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team, who have worked tirelessly to deliver this scheme. Their expertise, commitment, and collaborative approach have been instrumental in the project’s success.”

Knights Brown staffing at Mumbles has also been helped – through a number of other recruits – by Swansea Council’s Beyond Bricks and Mortar team which helps deliver additional benefits from council contracts. These boosts include apprenticeships, jobs and work experience for Swansea residents.

The multi-million pound Mumbles coastal protection project is on course for completion this summer (note: 2025).

Its aim is to safeguard the community, its seafront homes, businesses, organisations, facilities and events from rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

The council say the prom has been improved for visitors, with improved accessibility, more greenery, new public art and more play opportunities.

The project was mainly funded by the Welsh Government.

#apprentices #CllrAndrewStevens #construction #KnightsBrown #Mumbles #SeaDefences #SwanseaCouncil

Fresh developments for the new-look Mumbles seafront

The council says its contractors have made a start on laying a hard-wearing buff-coloured new top surface over the previously installed black Tarmac.

The new surface reflects that of the popular Amy Dillwyn Park, next to the Swansea Building Society Arena.

Also, two sets of smart aluminium strips are being laid flush to the new prom surface. They’re a playful nod to the lines of the former Mumbles Railway, which was closed by the former South Wales Transport Company in 1960.

The additions are part of the Mumbles Coastal Protection Project that the council says will protect the Community from the effects of climate change for many years to come.

The scheme is being driven by Swansea Council and largely funded by the Welsh Government. Main contractors are Knights Brown.

Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: “Mumbles is for everybody – and it’s fantastic to see its new-look prom coming together nicely.

“The strengthened sea defences will be crucial in years to come and the prom will be a greener, more accessible and more welcoming place to visit.

“I thank the local traders, other organisations and residents for their understanding as the end of work on this major project starts to come within sight.”

The council says the first area of buff-coloured top surface is being installed next to the Oystermouth Square car park. Other locations on the prom will follow. It’s designed to be attractive and hard-wearing, with great use anticipated by pedestrians and cyclists.

The wavy aluminium strips will appear close to the former stations at Southend and Oystermouth Square. Each set is around 30m long which the council says will complement station-related signs to be installed by the Mumbles Development Trust as part of their Mumbles Railway Trail. Temporary signs are in place at those locations now.

Other new installations on the prom include Mumbles-themed art, dozens of trees, thousands of plants and shrubs, elegant lampposts and railings, walls and seats.

Among the new elements still to come, as the project nears its end, are landscaping features, new bins, two re-modelled slipways, new play equipment and festoon lighting draped between lampposts.

A new car park, with more than 40 parking spaces, is being created – and is partially open – near The George restaurant.

The council reiterated that Mumbles is open and accessible for the Easter holidays, with much of the prom being reopened to pedestrians.

The Swansea Bay Rider land train is running between Blackpill and its temporary turning circle close to Oystermouth Square. It is planned to have the land train running to the Pilot slipway once again this summer.

Meanwhile, the council says it is considering public wishes for the future use of the tennis courts site next to the Oyster Hotel. Views being taken on board include those expressed in a recent public survey.

#Mumbles #SeaDefences #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

More artwork unveiled at Mumbles sea defence project

The concrete-mould design is based on work by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones, with images including pebbles, oyster boats and a lifeboat.

The panel complements one at Oyster Wharf that depicts oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid’s purses, starfish & pebbles.

The decorations on the wall have been praised by locals and on social media.

Writing on social media, Lesley Phillips said: “Looks great. Mumbles needed a face lift and it’s a huge improvement.”

While Val Whittington said: “Looks lovely and very appropriate!”

The Mumbles coastal protection scheme being delivered on behalf of the council by main contractor Knights Brown, is due to be largely complete in the second quarter of this year. It’s funded mainly by the Welsh Government.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#Art #CatrinJones #Mumbles #SeaDefences #SwanseaCouncil

Artwork is an instant hit with prom visitors

Catrin Jones designed a 3D depiction of local marine ecology that, now installed as part of the Mumbles coastal protection scheme, has had widespread approval.

The Council say that when the work at Oyster Wharf was featured on its social media channels, it was seen by more than 100,000 people and praised by many.

The artwork, in hard-wearing concrete cast by contractors Knights Brown, reflects the area’s rich ecology, featuring imagery of oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid’s purses, starfish and pebbles.

It is planned that other examples of Catrin’s work will form other parts of the sea defences project.

Catrin Jones said: “It’s been a great pleasure to be able to contribute to the rich fabric of the area and to bring attention to the beauty of the ecosystem here in Swansea Bay.”

Catrin has been an artist for more than 40 years. Although her particular specialism is stained glass, she can use her design skills to work in many different media.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “I thank Catrin for her work in Mumbles. It’s fantastic that hundreds of people have already welcomed this new public art.”

Fellow cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: “Mumbles’ improved and strengthened sea wall will protect the community from rising sea levels brought about by climate change for many years to come.”

The sea defences project, being delivered on behalf of the council by main contractor Knights Brown, is due to be largely complete in the second quarter of this year. It’s funded mainly by the Welsh Government.

Lead image: Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens and artist Catrin Jones with her new work on Mumbles prom (Image: Swansea Council)

#Art #CatrinJones #CllrAndrewStevens #Mumbles #OysterWharf #SeaDefences #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Local artist brings life to new sea defence walls

Concrete-mould depictions of the area’s ecology have been unveiled as the Mumbles sea defence upgrade work continues.

The depictions are based on designs by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones.

Images include oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid’s purses, starfish & pebbles. 

The decorated wall has won praise online after the council shared the images on social media.

Ian Kennedy said; “So much nicer than a plain wall”, with Jayne Lamb adding: “Something to keep the kids (and me)amused! Love them”.

Helen Gwinnutt said: “So lovely . I love that you have involved a local art.”

Caroline Berry added: “How lovely. There is no reason why something functional can’t also be beautiful – look forward to viewing it myself. The mermaids purse is particularly lovely.”

Experts previously described how patterns on the sea-side of the wall would help boost marine life.

The upgraded and strengthened 1.2 km seawall aims to help protect the Mumbles area from flooding.   

Funding for new defences was secured from the Welsh Government.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#Art #CatrinJones #Mumbles #MumblesSeafront #OysterWharf #SeaDefences #SwanseaCouncil

Norfolk, 2013

Coastal erosion at Hemsby is in the news again - this is from 2013 after one of those once-in-a-hundred-year storms that come round every five years or so these days.

#hemsby #coastalerosion #Norfolk #SeaDefences #Ruin #ClimateEmergency #ClimateChange