Progress update on Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme

The first of the 760 pre-cast concrete panels have been installed at the western end of the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme, opposite John Street

They will be placed in the next 12 months to make up the full revetment, which covers the Western Section of the scheme.

As well as improving the town’s access to the beach, this new revetment will also absorb energy from the waves at high tides and is a crucial part of the new defences.

Engineers are using the latest satellite and drone technology to fit the panels (Image: Denbighshire County Council / Facebook)
Denbighshire County Council posted on social media: "Engineers are using the latest satellite and drone technology to fit the panels – which are four metres wide and weigh 13 tons each - into the correct positions, with margin of errors down to just 1mm.

"Once all the new revetment is installed, work will move on to widening and lifting that part of the new promenade.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that this work may cause, and thank you for your understanding and co-operation."

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The coastal defences at Rhyl were originally built at various times between 1900 and 1920 and no longer meet current standards. 

Work to remove five kiosks – four of which are situated by the former SeaQuarium, and one near SC2, has started. The kiosks closed on June 4 2023.

The local authority said the structures have to be removed in order to deliver the defences scheme;  the new sea wall on the promenade is about one and a half metres higher.

The SeaQuarium closed as a result of the sea defence works. 

The attraction said last November: "This decision comes as a result of the ongoing coastal sea defence work on Rhyl Promenade.

“The noise, disruptions and vibrations from coastal defence works has and will continue to impact the welfare of our animals to the point where we believe it is in the interest of their welfare if we rehome them.

“While we are saddened by this closure, unfortunately we have no other options. We are fully committed to working with Denbighshire County Council to ensuring the wellbeing of our beloved seals and marine animals."

The East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme, funded by Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and the Welsh Government, began in April 2020 and was not due to end until December 2022. It officially opened in May of 2023, ahead of schedule and under budget.

The placement of 128,000 tonnes of rock armour in front of the existing sea defences at East Rhyl and the newly added 600 metres of sea defence wall and promenade will protect the area from current storms and the impact of climate change.

Balfour Beatty undertook the majority of works.