ARTIST impressions have been released ahead of a major project starting at Old Colwyn promenade to strengthen the Victorian sea defences.
The work, commencing in April, will see the promenade closed for up to 12 months.
Diversions will be in place for traffic and cyclists and pedestrians will be diverted to the raised path at the back of the prom.
The work is being carried out to protect the promenade from rough seas, high tides and storms.
Conwy County Borough Council will be installing a rock barricade from Rotary Way to Splash Point, by Old Colwyn Arches.
The barricade will be up to two metres higher than the current promenade level.
Artists impression. Picture: Conwy County Borough Council
Step access to the beach, through the rocks, will also be constructed as well as new hand railings and a fishing platform.
The £6.075m work is being funded by Welsh Government’s Resilient Roads Fund.
Cllr Cheryl Carlisle, who represents Colwyn on Conwy County Borough Council, said: “We’ve been fighting a long time for this to protect Old Colwyn promenade and preserve it for future generations. The alternative will be that the promenade will have to be permanently closed for safety reasons, which is in no-one's interests."
The work is the first major phase of improvements, following the first rock barricade installed at Splash Point (by Old Colwyn Arches) last year. The council plans to improving the promenade and sea defences along the stretch from Porth Eirias to Splash Point, which include raising the height of the promenade.
Cllr Brian Cossey, who also represents Old Colwyn, said: “I am so pleased Welsh Government have seen that there are issues with the Old Colwyn promenade and have been willing to provide a grant of just over £6million to provide some further protection to our sea defences. The disruption the work will cause will be worth it. I look forward to more grant money coming to us so we can complete the full upgrade of the defences.”
Cllr Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation, said: "This work targets the section of the promenade most at risk of collapse, which would be devastating for the important infrastructure it protects, including the A55 and the North Wales Coast rail line.
"We are still looking for funding for future phases to protect the prom right to Porth Eirias.”
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