We're collaborating with North Norfolk District Council to protect 600 homes and businesses from flood and coastal erosion.
On behalf of North Norfolk District Council, through the SCAPE Civil Engineering framework, we are addressing the impacts of coastal change along a significant stretch of coastline in Norfolk and Suffolk.
The two key initiatives, the Cromer Phase 2 Scheme and the Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme, aim to safeguard Cromer and Mundesley while enhancing their defences against extreme weather. Given the similarity in scope and geography of the schemes, we worked with North Norfolk District Council to combine the development and delivery of the two schemes to maximise efficiencies.
Shoreline works
The Cromer Phase 2 Scheme involves constructing a new rock armour revetment west of Cromer pier, placing 38,000 tonnes of rock on the shoreline. It will also include concrete apron works, a rock revetment, and access improvements.
The Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme involves placing 30,000 tonnes of rock and completing remedial works on existing sea walls to manage sediment flow.
The rock revetments comprise of a three-layer structure; a bedding filter layer, a core layer, and a primary layer, used to absorb wave energy in front of an existing steel frame. This will also involve concrete works to ensure robust coastal protection.
million in social value
homes and businesses protected
tonnes of rock used
Sustainable coastal protection
Sustainability is crucial for the coastal protection efforts at Cromer and Mundesley. These measures not only protect the environment but also ensure the long-term resilience of local communities against the harsh impacts of the sea.
To achieve this, we utilised 70,000 tonnes of aggregate along the shorelines of Cromer and Mundesley. Aggregate Industries supplied rock armour sourced from the Glensanda quarry in Scotland and transported over six hundred nautical miles via barge to site. This included a mix of large stones ranging from 3-6 tonnes, 300kg to 1 tonne, and 15-30kg, to protect the vulnerable sandy cliffs from the North Sea. Additionally, we used two barges to transport 1,000 tonnes of rock at a time to the foreshore, 24/7, in the height of summer. This approach ensures we minimise the number of trips needed, reducing fuel consumption and the associated carbon emissions, and minimising the disruption to marine.
Empowering communities
We are committed to delivering lasting social benefits for the communities we work in and have generated over £1.7 million in social value so far. Our project team developed a bespoke social impact plan focusing on key areas including local regional spend, creating local jobs opportunities, career mentoring, and volunteering to support local community projects. Our team has engaged with over 250 local students and employed sixty-five local individuals, including six apprentices, emphasising local empowerment and fostering community development.
Through these efforts, the schemes have not only enhanced coastal protection but also contributed significantly to the local economy and workforce. By involving local businesses and community members, the project ensures that its benefits are widely distributed, supporting the long-term resilience and prosperity of the area.