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Cromer and Mundesley Coastlines

Framework: SCAPE Civil Engineering

Sector: Coastal and Flood

Client: North Norfolk District Council

Tonnes of rock armour: 70,000

"Protecting our communities, homes and businesses from flooding is critical. These two key protection schemes will help to safeguard Cromer and Mundesley, whilst future-proofing their defences against more extreme weather".

Mark Robinson,

SCAPE Group Chief Executive

Efforts are underway to protect 600 homes and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion along a prominent section of the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline.

In partnership with Balfour Beatty and North Norfolk District Council through the Civil Engineering Framework, this project will also aim to create new habitats for local wildlife and the community, with a focus on leaving a positive and sustainable legacy.

Using two key initiatives, the Cromer Phase 2 Scheme and the Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme, they both aim to safeguard Cromer and Mundesley while enhancing their defences against extreme weather.

Due to the similarities in scope and geographic location, we have partnered with North Norfolk District Council to streamline the development and delivery of these projects, maximising efficiency.

The shoreline project consists of two initiatives, with the Cromer Phase 2 Scheme as one of them. This project will involve the construction of new rock armour to the west of Cromer pier, which will require the placement of 38,000 tonnes of rock along the shoreline. Additional elements of the scheme will include the installation of a concrete apron, a rock revetment, and enhancements to access.

Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme: This scheme will involve the placement of 30,000 tonnes of rock and the completion of remedial works on existing sea walls to manage sediment flow.

The design of the rock revetments consists of a three-layer structure: a bedding filter layer, a core layer, and a primary layer, all specifically constructed to absorb wave energy in front of an existing steel frame. Additionally, concrete will be utilised to help coastal protection.

Sustainability is vital for the coastal protection schemes at Cromer and Mundesley. These initiatives not only safeguard the environment but also enhance the long-term resilience of local communities against the challenging effects of the sea.

Achieving this involved the placement of 70,000 tons of aggregate along the shores of Cromer and Mundesley. Aggregate Industries provided rock armour sourced from the Glensanda quarry in Scotland, which was transported over six hundred miles by barge to the site.

The shipment included a variety of large stones, ranging from 3-6 tons, as well as smaller stones weighing 300 kg to 1 ton and 15-30 kg, all aimed at shielding the vulnerable sandy cliffs from the North Sea. Moreover, two barges were utilised to move 1,000 tons of rock at a time to the foreshore around the clock during peak summer. This method minimised the number of trips required, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions while also minimising the impact on marine life.

The project has generated over £1.7 million in social value, leading to significant and lasting benefits for the community. The project team has focused on empowering local communities through regional spending, creating job opportunities, providing career mentoring, and volunteering to support various community initiatives.

They have actively engaged with schools to educate students about their work, its positive impact on the environment, and the importance of environmental protection. Additionally, they have discussed the various roles available in the industry and what these mean for the local community.

So far, the project team has successfully connected with over 250 local students and hired 65 residents, including six apprentices. They have also engaged with 144 unemployed individuals, offering mentorship to help them become involved in the project.

"I and the Coastal Team have great confidence in Balfour Beatty with their renowned expertise and experience in carrying out such major works around our coast. Previous partnerships have always led to positive outcomes, much appreciated by all who benefit from the peace of mind they bring".

Harry Blathwayt,

North Norfolk District Councillor, Portfolio Holder for Coast