Jones Bros completes crucial Kinmel Bay coastal defence project

A leading civil engineering firm has completed works on a major £15 million coastal defence scheme in North Wales.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has delivered several shoreside improvements at Kinmel Bay to reduce flooding risks for more than 2,000 residential and commercial properties.

Appointed by Conwy County Borough Council, the Ruthin-based business procured nearly 66,500 tonnes of rock armour to reinforce the revetment between Towyn and Kinmel Bay, with 96 per cent of the material sourced locally.

In addition, the existing 2km sea wall was raised by 560-750mm using precast concrete units and two floodgates were replaced to strengthen its effectiveness against stormy weather and associated coastal flooding.

Activity also included the construction of eight new stepped or ramped access points to the beach, each fitted with handrails to provide safer entry for visitors.

Works were phased to keep disruption to residents and visitors to a minimum, with half of the beach remaining open for public use throughout and access to the promenade maintained for all but one week during the 12-month construction programme.

Upgrades to St Asaph Avenue car park took place, alongside the enhancement of two mini parklets along the seafront, and the installation of street furniture including benches.

Site practices focused on respecting the community, caring for the environment, and valuing the workforce, with the project earning a rating of “excellent” from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).

Jones Bros’ health, safety, and environmental (HSE) initiatives also earned the Mates in Mind (MiM) Gold Achievement Award, recognising the firm’s commitment to supporting employees’ mental wellbeing.

Jones Bros project manager Sam Roberts, who led a team of up to 60 on the development, said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside Conwy County Borough Council to deliver such an important scheme, one that will no doubt help preserve the existing infrastructure from flooding and storm damage.

“As a North Wales-headquartered civil engineering firm, it’s brilliant to procure the rock armour required from five quarries in the region and use local suppliers where possible.

“We’ve also welcomed approximately half-a-dozen Jones Bros apprentices to site to give them a real hands-on experience of what a busy, live scheme looks like, which I know, as a former apprentice myself, provides valuable experience.

“Overall, it’s been a rewarding project to work on and I’m proud of the team for completing the works to such a high standard.”

Conwy County Borough Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Infrastructure Cllr Mike Priestley said: “The Kinmel Bay Coastal Defence scheme is about protecting the community while improving the seafront for everyone. 

“Made possible through funding from the Welsh Government, the scheme has delivered stronger coastal defences, including raising the existing seawall and rock armour, helping to reduce flood risk both now and in the future.

“Alongside this, we’re enhancing beach access, improving the car park and creating better facilities such as cycle amenities, seating and play areas. Together, these improvements will help make Kinmel Bay a safer, more resilient, and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.

“I’m pleased that the scheme was delivered by a North Wales contractor, supporting jobs, and the local economy during construction.”

Social value was also high on the agenda throughout the duration scheme, with Jones Bros sponsoring the Panthers under-11s and Prestatyn Sports under-11s football teams, and Rhyl Rugby Club under-9s.

Denbigh & District Amateur Boxing Club received support to stage a show in Denbigh for the first time in more than two decades, whilst Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog received six barriers and 30 cones for a new construction area.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 550 people.

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

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced a large percentage of its current workforce, with several of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.