Jones Bros begins work on multi-million-pound coastal defence project in North Wales
A leading civil engineering firm has started work on a crucial multi-million-pound coastal defence scheme.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, appointed by Conwy Borough Council, is utilising its expertise to deliver £7.5m worth of shoreside improvements as part of the Penrhyn Bay development.
The Ruthin-based company will procure and import 70,000 tonnes of rock armour, sourced from North Wales quarries, which will be built in a T-shape rock groyne to reduce beach erosion and minimise the impact of stormy weather and associated coastal flooding.
Jones Bros will also import large quantities of shingle to replenish the beach in order to protect the existing stepped defences, the promenade, and the infrastructure behind it.
The seafront is to benefit from improvements, with the area opposite The Beach Café Bar set to have new surfacing, seating, and handrailing fitted.
Current parking areas are to be relocated closer to the entrance of Rhos Golf Club, whilst a new pedestrian and cyclist crossing point will be instated between Maes Gwyn Road and Pendorlan Road, with a disabled beach access ramp also installed.
The public space improvements, including the promenade and cycle path, are expected to be finished by early summer.
The onshore coastal defence aspects of the project are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, with Jones Bros set to have up to 30 staff, including apprentices and trainees, across the entire scheme.
Residents will be kept up to date with a project information cabin located onsite.
Jones Bros senior contracts manager, Dafydd Elis, said: “As a local company, it’s wonderful to be awarded the scheme, which we know will be of great benefit to the community.
“We have vast experience in coastal and marine projects, having worked on schemes across North Wales and the UK, including Rhyl, Tywyn, Old Colwyn, Clacton-on-Sea, and the Isle of Wight.
“As with every project we do, we have looked at sourcing material from the region and it’s fantastic that we can use North Wales quarries and help the local economy.”
Cllr Goronwy Edwards, cabinet member for environment, roads, and facilities – infrastructure, added: “Coastal defences are important to protect our communities from the increased threat of climate change, sea level rises and storms. This work is an integral part of the council’s strategy and will benefit the residents of Penrhyn Bay for a long time to come.”
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 runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 50 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.