Cromer and Mundesley Schemes nearing completion

Throughout this year, major civil engineering works started and progressed to reinforce the existing sea defences in Cromer and Mundesley. These are intended to extend protection to over 600 homes and properties from coastal erosion.

Mundesley Rock Delivery

Cromer Coastal Management Scheme Phase 2

In Cromer, the scheme involved concreting works, sheet piling, and the creation of a rock revetment.

35,000 tonnes of rock was offloaded onto the beach via a barge throughout the summer and autumn. The rock was then moved, by excavators and dumpers which worked on the beach to recover the rock and place it carefully in a specifically designed formation with some rock being placed under the sand.

Cromer Rock Placement

The rock has been placed in front of the sea wall to form a revetment covering the area from the west of the pier to in line with the Melbourne Slope.

This revetment has already been working to reduce the wave energy and impact on the sea wall, which could already been seen in storms in September and October, helping to protect the slope and properties above. It will also reduce waves' overtopping onto the promenade.

The rock revetment is complete, and the heavy machinery has left the beach - once the last of the concreting works is finished, the scheme will be completed in Cromer.

Cromer rock armour working during a recent storm

Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme

In Mundesley, the scheme involved reinforcing the existing sea wall through Seawall encasement and creating a rock berm.

21,000 tonnes of rock were offloaded via barge onto the beach throughout the spring and summer months. Excavators and dumpers then moved the rock on the beach to recover it and place it carefully in a specifically designed formation, with some rock placed under the sand.

Mundesley machinery

The rock was placed on the west beach in front of the steel-framed structure, the Mundesley Lifeboat Station, and the Anglia Water Pumping Station.

The rock berm is designed to absorb the energy of the waves, which helps to extend the life of the seawall to protect Mundesley seafront properties and assets.

Concreting works and rock placement will continue throughout the winter and are expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

The Council is enormously grateful to residents, businesses, visitors and beach users who were inconvenienced during these works, as it allowed the project to proceed on schedule throughout the busy summer and autumn months.

Mundesley rock berm

Harry Blathwayt, portfolio holder for Coast, said:

"Thanks to the Coastal Engineers from Coastal Partnership East as well as North Norfolk District Council Officers who have worked with the contractors to deliver this project in the face of some very adverse conditions. This project will help to safeguard residents in Cromer and Mundesley for years to come. Thank you."

Including Phase 1 of the Cromer works (completed in 2015), the two schemes will have received approximately £25m of funding from the Environment Agency, with North Norfolk District Council and Mundesley Parish Council also contributing towards the Mundesley Scheme.

Find out more about the Cromer Coastal Management Scheme here - www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/cromer-scheme

Find out more about the Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme here - www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/mundesley-scheme