Aberavon Seafront
A Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP) scheme funded by Welsh Government and Neath Port Talbot Council.
The Scheme
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Prior to 2016, the Aberavon Seafront and Promenade were identified as coastal assets that required urgent repairs, to provide adequate flood and coastal-storm protection. The location has seen significant development over the last twenty years with the introduction of a new Cinema, Afan Lido and a variety of restaurants and cafés. These businesses, along with the Aberavon, Sandfields and Port Talbot residential areas, were consequently identified as flood-risk areas in NPTCBC’s Local Development Plan (LDP) from the sea.
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These factors contributed to the justification for the development of a regeneration scheme under the CRMP (Coastal Risk Management Programme), with the premise of constructing a new slipway access track and upgrading the coastal defences along approximately 2.5km of Aberavon Seafront. The scheme was completed in the summer of 2020.
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The scheme has brought many benefits to the area, including:
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Significantly improving the flood and coastal erosion defences to Aberavon Promenade.
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Reducing the risk of flooding to the surrounding communities, namely Baglan Moor, Sandfields and Aberavon.
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Ability to better manage the risk of erosion in the future.
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Increasing the potential for further development.
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Contributing to the economic regeneration of the local area.
The total cost of the scheme was £3.3 million and was 75% grant funded by Welsh Government and 25% funded by NPTCBC.
Future Work
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As with the nature of coastal defence projects, erosion processes can be volatile and challenging to manage. Therefore, periodic inspections are undertaken at the site on a bi-annual basis. These inspections are carried out for the purpose of identifying damages and defects on the slipway, embankments and concrete step revetments. Additional Marram grass will be planted near the entrance to the new slipway for the purpose of improving bank stabilisation by binding the sand in place. This planting will be undertaken in the summer of 2024.
