A new flood alleviation scheme in Hirael, Bangor, should also focus on the area’s social and economic development rather than only protecting properties from the risk of flooding, according to a consultation report.
The Hirael flood alleviation scheme aims to deliver a high-quality, future proofed flood defence with the goal of providing a 1 in 100-year standard of protection for homes and businesses along the seafront.
The Proposal
The proposal is for a new sea wall, replacing the existing wall which is currently in a poor condition. To provide adequate flood protection, the wall would be raised some 1.3 m (4’3”) above the existing level of the promenade. The height of the wall is likely to have some impact on the view from the carpark and promenade.
Flood Gates
Access to the seafront is important, and therefore two sets of flood gates will be installed to maintain this accessibility: one on Glandwr Road, and the other next to the Welsh Water pumping station.
These gates will only be closed during periods of high water. Similar flood gates have recently been installed at Y Felinheli as part of a new Gwynedd Council-led flood alleviation scheme.
Earth embankment
A short section of flood bank will be built near Welsh Water’s pumping station. This embankment will look very similar to that constructed in Beaumaris.
Public Consultation
Following extensive screening, options consideration, outline designs and discussions with key stakeholders, a short list of options was devised and presented to the public in the form of a website consultation between March – May 2021, rather than the usual in-person meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In total, 728 people viewed the website, of which 188 engaged with the questionnaire, with mostly positive comments. Generally, there is enthusiasm from the public for this project, with many viewing it as a means to further develop the area and make it more attractive.
The consultation gained the attention of several concerned parties, especially with regards to preserving and enhancing awareness of the area’s cultural heritage. The promenade was home to an Italian prisoners of war camp during the 2nd World War and was also the site of significant anti-tank and invasion defences, which many hope to preserve and raise awareness of through the scheme.
- Fig tree
During the period where the promenade hosted the prisoners of war camp, a fig tree was planted in the sea wall by the soldiers. Ian Sturrock whose company specialises in selling Welsh Fruit Trees hopes to raise awareness of the tree, and to preserve the legacy of the camp through the re-plantation of the tree via cuttings from the original, which still grows from the sea wall today. There may be opportunities to provide information on the history of Hirael as part of the scheme.
- Tank traps
A representative from the National Trust Archaeology team, and also working with Cadw and the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust hope to preserve the wartime defences in the area. The defences were recycled after the war and now compose various sections of the promenade in the form of walls and seating, and are set to be replaced in the new scheme, but hopefully they can be preserved and used in a public exhibition elsewhere, with the scheme containing information boards along the frontage to raise awareness of Hirael’s interesting past.
Additional comments (generalised)
- Many comments regarding the improvement of the promenade’s appearance, and the need to improve its appearance through improved seating, signposts, information boards and recreational spaces
- Many raised concerns regarding the height of the new wall, which may block the view, and some suggest raising the level of the footpath
- Many recognise the threat posed by rising sea levels, and welcome the new defences, although some remain sceptical due to the lack of any serious flooding incidences in the last few decades
- Strong feeling that the scheme has the potential to be much more than a flood defence, and would like it to tie in more to Bangor, and to help boost tourism
- Many enthusiastic comments regarding the provision for commercial outlets along the promenade, though 50% do not wish to see this delivered as part of the scheme.
- Further commentary on the loss of the sea view for children and disabled persons
- Many would like to see the history of Hirael bay promoted, especially with regards to the Slate industry and the 2nd World War
- Many would like more bins for litter and dog fouling
- Many enthusiastic comments regarding the linkage of the scheme to the existing Lon Las Ogwen cycle path
Recommendation
Overall, the commentary received seems to largely focus on the area’s social and economic development rather than express concern for the risk of flooding to property.
This is likely due to the lack of any significant flood events in the past few decades.
Going forward, to ensure productive community engagement with the project, it will be vital to effectively communicate the flood risk aspect of the project. In addition, it seems people will be greatly unsatisfied if the project is unable to deliver tangible community benefits beyond flood defence, such as seating, more litter bins, and improvements to the coastal path for example.
For more information on the proposed scheme and consultation visit: https://hirael.ygc.cymru/public-consultation/
