We've been assisting Associated British Ports (ABP) who is currently exploring a long term solution for repairing Swansea West Pier located near to the Tawe Barrage in Swansea Bay. 

Swansea West Pier is in a visibly poor condition and has suffered structural failure in several locations following recent winter storms but is currently safe following emergency repair work.

The inner section of the pier provides wave protection to the navigation channel and the Tawe Barrage. It also holds the beach area to the west of the pier in its current position.

The pier is owned by Associated British Ports (ABP) who is currently exploring a long term solution for repairing the structure by constructing a new retaining wall aligned immediately in front (seaward) of the existing pier.

ABPmer has been managing the overall pre-application stage of the project. This has included undertaking the necessary environmental surveys and studies to support a marine licence application.

We are also overseeing the input from AECOM who have been appointed by ABP to develop the concept design for the new retaining wall and manage the surveys and investigations required to inform the design.

A Screening and Scoping Report was submitted to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in May 2018 to seek their opinion on the need for, and the scope of, any further assessment work. NRW provided the follow up Screening Opinion in July, which determined that the project does not require a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment. We are now undertaking an Environmental Appraisal and series of supporting assessments for the marine licence application.

As of September 2018, we are preparing for the stakeholder event later in the month to provide further information to the local community and interested parties about the project and respond to any concerns.

To learn more about the project and follow its progress, visit the Swansea West Pier website [archived].