Swansea flood defence and promenade ‘like the Med’ unveiled

A major project aimed at protecting a large part of the shoreline near Swansea has officially opened.

The £26m project, which took two years to complete, covers 1.2km (0.75 miles) in Mumbles, aiming to protect homes and businesses from coastal flooding, while also resulting in a wider, more attractive promenade.

Business owners had previously said the work had led to fewer people visiting, but now hope it will boost visitor numbers.

Swansea council leader Rob Stewart said the new-look promenade “can rival anything in the Mediterranean”.

Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who grew up in nearby Gowerton, unveiled a plaque on the promenade, describing it as “magnificent”.

A recent Met Office report revealed that the UK sea level is rising faster than the global average, with the risk of flooding expected to increase.

Irranca-Davies, who is responsible for climate change and rural affairs, said there was a set of criteria for prioritising coastal defence schemes based on social and economic factors.

“We cannot defend every inch of seafront and coastline,” he said.

Marcelle Bollom, who lives nearby, said some neighbours living on the ground floor had lost some views of the bay, but understood the work needed to be done.

“It looks amazing,” she said of the seawall and promenade. “And I would rather not get flooded. The old seawall was eroding and it looked scruffy,” she said, adding there were new seats and bins.

Lily Ella Westacott, manager of local lifestyle shop Hiatus, was also pleased with the project.

“It’s a big improvement to the local environment and we’re confident it’ll bring more people to enjoy Mumbles.”

Mr Stewart, from Swansea council, said the project would defend residents and businesses in the area “for the next 100 years”.

“It also gives them a fantastic new seafront that can rival anything in the Mediterranean,” he said.