People are absolutely loving this beautiful new feature in Mumbles

An eye-catching new art feature has appeared in Mumbles, and people are singing its praises. The Mumbles Coastal Protection Project is replacing the old seawall in the area, which was at least more than 100 years old, and showing signs of wear with cracks appearing at several sections.

This £26.5 million project, managed by Swansea Council and delivered by main contractor Knights Brown, aims to protect businesses, organisations, attractions, events, and several homes against rising sea levels caused by climate change. The Welsh Government, which mainly funded the project, claims the new sea defences, due for completion this year, will protect the coast for the next 100 years. You can read more about that by clicking here.

This week, residents and passers-by were left impressed by the sight of concrete-mould depictions of the area's ecology etched into the new seawall. They are based on designs by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones, and include oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid purses, starfish and pebbles. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here.

Among the hundreds of positive comments left on the council's social media, one woman wrote: "How lovely. There is no reason why something functional can’t also be beautiful - look forward to viewing it myself. The mermaid's purse is particularly lovely." Another added: "So lovely. I love that you have involved a local art." A third added: "Something to keep the kids (and me) amused! Love them."

The council has said that new public artwork will celebrate the heritage and natural resources of Mumbles on the land-side at the top of some sections of the main seawall.

Swansea Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: "It's fantastic that hundreds of people have already welcomed this new public art which has just been installed as part of our Mumbles sea defences project. Designed by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones, the artwork beautifully reflects the area's rich ecology, featuring imagery of oysters, oystercatcher birds, fish, mermaid's purses, starfish and pebbles.

"Mumbles' improved and strengthened sea wall will protect the community - including homes, businesses, organisations and attractions - from rising sea levels brought about by climate change for many years to come. As part of the scheme, we're also improving the immediate local area for all, with a wider, more accessible prom, new lights, seats, play opportunities and places to relax.

"There'll be increased greenery along the prom to enhance the local environment and substantial parts of the new seawall will support local biodiversity. Mumbles remains open and accessible during this major work which we expect to be largely complete in the second quarter of this year. We're proud that this significant transformation has been shaped by the thoughts and feedback of residents, businesses, and the wider community. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as work continues."

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