Balfour Beatty secures £19.5m Norfolk coastal protection contracts

Balfour Beatty has been appointed to deliver two coastal defence schemes on behalf of North Norfolk District Council with a combined value of £19.5m.

The schemes - the Cromer Phase 2 scheme and the Mundesley Coastal Management scheme – have been awarded through SCAPE Civil Engineering, a rapid access framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings.

The Cromer Phase 2 Scheme will see Balfour Beatty construct a new rock armour revetment on the Norfolk coast on the west of Cromer Pier, with 38,000 tonnes of rock placed on the shoreline. 

As part of the Mundesley Coastal Management Scheme, Balfour Beatty will place 36,000 tonnes of rock on the shoreline, complete remedial works to the existing sea walls as well as refurbish the groynes – perpendicular structures to manage the flow of sediment.

On completion, the schemes will protect 600 local homes and businesses in North Norfolk from flooding and coastal erosion.

As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty will divert 95% of waste from landfill by recycling materials and donating excess timber to community projects and charities.

Peter Mumford, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Regional Civils business, said: "Balfour Beatty has been successfully delivering coastal protection and flood defence schemes for over 25 years, most recently having been appointed to deliver two projects on behalf of Denbighshire County Council.

“These latest contract awards will draw on our wealth of experience and significant expertise and will see us deliver these schemes to the highest standard to provide much-needed protection for the communities in Cromer and Mundesley.”

Mark Robinson, SCAPE group chief executive, added: “Protecting our communities, homes and businesses from flooding is critical. 

“These two key protection schemes will help to safeguard Cromer and Mundesley, whilst future-proofing their defences against more extreme weather. 

“Using our civil engineering framework will allow North Norfolk District Council to maximise the speed and efficiency of delivery, and create a positive, sustainable legacy – unlocking value through social impact, the use of local businesses and the creation of training and employment opportunities.”

Works on both schemes are due to commence this winter with completion expected in early 2025. 

At construction peak, the schemes will employ a workforce of around 50, including four apprenticeship, graduate, and trainee positions.