How can improved coastal resilience unlock regeneration?

Porthcawl in South Wales boasts a rich maritime heritage and attracts 1.1m visitors annually. While the town’s seaside location is a draw for visitors and residents, rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity due to climate change, coupled with aging infrastructure, has increased the risk of coastal flooding. As well as threatening properties, this has constrained development opportunities in the town.

Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) commissioned Arup to develop a business case for investment to reduce coastal flood risk to Sandy Bay, a wide and popular beach in Porthcawl. Our analysis revealed that the condition of Porthcawl’s historic Western Breakwater was key to managing coastal risk throughout the bay. As a result, we agreed with the funder, the Welsh Government, to include the structure in the project. 

The bay is surrounded by more than 100-acres of land identified for regionally significant regeneration. We developed a phased approach to the scheme so that works within the council’s control could be funded without the delay and risk of awaiting future development.

Where previous proposals would have seen sand dune habitat replaced with concrete terraced defences, our study into coastal processes demonstrated that these could be preserved and restored. Our designs sensitively restore and enhance historic coastal structures to minimise cost and carbon, while employing placemaking to enhance the promenade amenity for visitors and residents alike.