The Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project has seen major investment into the redevelopment of the town’s seafront, safeguarding the town and its infrastructure from the threat of the sea and predicted climate change for years to come. The project extends over a 2.3mile length of promenade from Rhos Jetty in Rhos on Sea, eastwards to Beach Road, Old Colwyn.
The project combines the renewal of coastal defences with regeneration improvements to the promenade, and has created a modern, sustainable and attractive waterfront, which is an enormous asset to the local community and also a key attraction for visitors.
The first phase of works saw the construction of Porth Eirias and the creation of a permanent beach as part of the coastal defence works. The work completed during 2014 saw an extension of this permanent beach, as well as extensive improvements to the promenade between Porth Eirias and the Pier, this has resulted in vastly improved access to the beach for all users. The link between the Town and the waterfront has also undergone improvement works to maximise the regeneration effect of the Project on the Town Centre itself.
The Project is committed to operating to the highest environmental standards and committed to pursuing sustainable design solutions and construction methods whenever practical. This had led to the first stage of the Project being awarded a CEEQUAL rating of ‘Very Good’ and the second stage being awarded ‘Excellent’. Porth Eirias has also been awarded a BREEAM rating of excellent, which demonstrates the design, construction and operation of the building comply to the highest standards of sustainability. The Project was also awarded the ICE Innovation award in Summer 2014 for the approach which has seen the amalgamation of Coastal Defence upgrades and Environmental Improvements.
Further phases of the project have seen a continuation of the promenade improvements as well as continued upgrading of the Coastal Defence mechanisms. This modern, accessible and attractive waterfront is vital to the continued regeneration of Colwyn Bay, providing a valued asset for local people but also helping to put Colwyn Bay back on the map as a viable, attractive visitor destination.