welcomeIntroduction

Proposals are being put together for the redevelopment and regeneration of Mumbles Pier and the surrounding Foreshore area.

Vision

This exhibition sets out: the vision for the regeneration of the Mumbles Pier & Foreshore.• highlights the key components needed to both protect and enhance one of Wales’s potentially most iconic • destinations.gives a general idea of how the foreshore could look. Detailed information – regarding the exact layout, • appearance, use of material etc – will be prepared and submitted to the Local Authority for approval at a later stage.

The character of Mumbles is defi ned by its maritime tradition and environmental quality and its relationship with the sea. The development of Mumbles Head and the restoration of the Pier represents an opportunity to strengthen and enhance its offering as a tourist destination of signifi cance. Such a unique development location can serve to promote a range of activities within Mumbles which will further enhance its role within Swansea Bay.

Mumbles Pier and the foreshore have been owned by Amusement Equipment Company Limited (AMECO) for over 70 years. The owners are keen to refurbish and restore the Pier, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations for years to come. Alongside the works to the Pier, a redevelopment scheme for the enhancement of the area of Foreshore adjacent to the Pier is also being prepared.

Mumbles Pier is in urgent need of restoration and without intervention will soon reach the end of its maintainable life. AMECO has demonstrated a continuing commitment to its operation and wishes to rebuild and restore this iconic feature of Swansea and Gower.

At this stage, an ‘outline’ planning application allowing for a decision on the general principles of how p the Foreshore may be developed ie - the amount and nature of development that can take place on the Foreshore site, prior to preparing more detailed proposals.

The RNLI are currently drawing up plans for the construction of a new, modern Lifeboat House, to be positioned on the end of the Pier for which a detailed planning application will be submitted. This application will also include proposals for the restoration works to the Pier.

Two separate planning applications will be submitted to the Local Authority, however, they are closely linked and are being prepared in tandem.

Purpose

The purpose of this exhibition is to show you details of the proposals for:The restoration of Mumbles Pier• The construction of a new RNLI Lifeboat House (at the end of Pier)• The redevelopment scheme for the Foreshore area adjacent to the Pier •

Your Views

Your views on the proposals for the improvement of the Mumbles Pier and Foreshore area are important as the development will affect your town and its environment.

We would be grateful if you could provide us with your thoughts and comments on the proposals. We would ask if you could kindly complete the feedback forms provided.

Please feel free to ask representatives at the exhibition about anything you wish to know.

aerial view of mumbles head

spotlight on mumbles pier and foreshore

1800’s

1866

1884

1898

1899

1916

1922

1937

WWII

1956

1966

2007

2009

2010

2011

2012

the siteHistorical Context

Mumbles Head was formed from a limestone quarry in the early • nineteenth century. The Mumbles train was extended and a pier constructed and • opened in 1898, to serve as the new rail terminus. The Pier Hotel was built at the same time on the Pier Forecourt. An RNLI lifeboat slipway was added to the Pier in 1916 and a • boathouse in 1922. The running of Mumbles Pier was taken over by AMECO Ltd in 1937. A lack of maintenance of the Pier during the war required AMECO • to undertake major rebuilding works to the Pier. Shortly after reopening in 1956, the Mumbles railway closed.

Current Use of Site

The site stretches along a narrow strip of land between the public • car park at Knab Rock and the Beach at Mumbles Head, and includes the ‘Big Apple’ car park at the top of the headland.A one-way system of traffi c is currently in operation within the • site. The Grade II Listed Mumbles Pier projects into the sea at Mumbles • Head, and is 255m long.The Public Conveniences located near the entrance to the Pier • are also Grade II Listed.A number of buildings are currently located across the site, • including the modern ‘pavilion’ building (which provides family leisure facilities, including a café and amusement arcade); the existing (but under-utilised) Pier Hotel building; and the existing Inshore Lifeboat Station and Lifeboat Cottage towards the west of the site.

Swansea Bay Strategy

The Swansea Bay Strategy, published in 2007 sets out the Council’s ambitions for the future of the bay. The proposed development of Mumbles Pier and Foreshore is integral to this strategy and viewed as a key contributor to the future success of Swansea as a tourist destination.

Mumbles Pier and Foreshore Development Framework

A ‘Development Framework’ has been prepared and adopted by the City and County of Swansea Council, which aims to provide guidance for the preparation of development proposals for Mumbles Pier and Foreshore and established the Council’s ambition to:

Rejuvenate an established and historical attraction• Create an enhanced and unique cultural / leisure destination for • the benefi t of both tourists and visitorsBecome a key contributor to the local and regional economy• Secure the protection and where possible enhancement of the • environmental quality of the area

Headland Quarry

RNLI First presence at The Mumbles

RNLI build boathouse on Foreshore

Mumbles Pier constructed and train service extended

Pier Hotel constructed

RNLI Slipway added to Pier

RNLI Boathouse added to Pier

Running of Mumbles Pier taken over by AMECO

Pier Closed

Substantial repair work to pier completed

Gower becomes Britain’s fi rstArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty

AMECO acquire freehold of Pier and Foreshore

Mumbles Railway closed.

Swansea Bay Strategy established by City & County of Swansea

Old Lifeboat Cottage gains planning permission for conversion to restaurant

Mumbles Pier & Foreshore Development Framework Published by City & County of Swansea

Redevelopment Proposals for Pier & Foreshore prepared

Pier restoration and new RNLI Boathouse planned

Foreshore and enhancements to public realm planned

pier hotel pub

big apple kiosk

lighthouse

old causeway

middle head

mumbles head

outer head

car park

pier

pavilion cafe, chip shop, amusements, bowling

fi shing tackle shop knab rock slipway

beach

bracelet bay

bracelet baycar park

public conveniences

public car park

rowing club

inshore lifeboat stationvehicular route to bracelet bay & limeslade

management offi ce with existing planning permission to extend & convert to restaurant

storage unit

leisure

existing offshore lifeboat station

pierhead(access currently restricted due to safety)

current use of site

key issues site constraints and opportunitiesThe Pier

Mumbles Pier is a Grade II Listed structure. It is one of only six iron piers to survive in Wales. Mumbles Pier is in urgent need of restoration. Without intervention, the Pier will shortly reach the end of its maintainable life. Although the Pier is still in limited use, it requires substantial repair – the costs of which are estimated by engineers to be in excess of £3million.

The RNLI

There has been an RNLI presence in Mumbles since 1866. The continued presence of the RNLI at the site is extremely important. The next generation of lifeboat is scheduled to come into service in the Mumbles from 2011, and the current Lifeboat Station and slipway facility will no longer be suitable. As such, the RNLI need to build a new Lifeboat Station – with the end of Mumbles Pier being identifi ed as the most suitable location for the RNLI’s new facility.

Tourism and the Economy

The tourism sector is an important contributor to the local economy of Swansea, and the Mumbles plays a very important role in attracting visitors to the area. The redevelopment of the Foreshore area, to be undertaken in conjunction with the restoration works to the Pier, represents an opportunity to strengthen and enhance the site’s offering as a unique tourist / leisure destination, bringing a greater number of visitors to the area.

Site Access

Access to and through the site is currently diffi cult, with pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same narrow access route. The redevelopment proposals have therefore been developed with the aim of improving accessibility to, from, and through the Mumbles Pier and Foreshore site (for both vehicles and pedestrians alike).

Environmental Considerations

The site is located in a highly sensitive location. For example, located within close proximity to the Mumbles Pier site are two ‘Sites of Special Scientifi c Interest’ (at Bracelet Bay and Blackpill), and the Mumbles Hill Nature Reserve. A number of planning polices are in place to protect the sensitive environmental nature of the site and its surroundings. Our ecology consultants have undertaken a wide range of surveys to ensure that the proposed development will not signifi cantly harm any of the species or habitats supported at, or nearby, the site.

Landscape and Visual Impact

The Gower Peninsula is an area of exceptional landscape quality and beauty – it is recognised as being of national importance and has been designated as a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1956. The Mumbles Pier and Foreshore Site is located adjacent to the AONB. The effect of the development proposals upon the beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the AONB has therefore formed a central consideration. In addition, the site occupies a very prominent position at the western end of Swansea Bay, and can be widely viewed from across the Bay. A detailed assessment of the development’s effects on visual amenity (‘views’) has therefore been undertaken (on a comparative ‘before’ and ‘after’ basis).

- limited leisure offering- lacking focal point- poor public realm- lack of variety- beach access limited- exposed/lack of shelter

- lack of activity/interest on pier- exposed/lack of shelter- pier in poor repair inaccessible and unsafe in places, partially closed to public

- poor public realm- coastal strip dominated by vehicle access and parking- awkward & limited parking- poor pedestrian safety- exposed/lack of shelter- lack of activity along route

+ create a vibrant destination with variety of attraction+ improve and expand the leisure, entertainment and dining experience through quality and variety of offering+ maximise potential to exploit the panoramic views of Swansea Bay+ improve parking numbers & quality+ existing public access & rights of way maintained and improved

+ improved views toward lighthouse

constraints & opportunities

+ expand and improve public realm by creating safe pedestrian routes separate from vehicles, improved surface materials creating high quality promenade, places of activity, resting/contemplation points animated by the integration of public art and shelter through hard and soft landscaping. Creation of event spaces and comfortable sheltered outdoor spaces promoting use by day and night. Carefully considered lighting strategy along pier and foreshore to highlight key buildings and landscape features.

+ new RNLI boathouse adds interest/ activity to end of pier

+ improved parking facility

+ potential re-use of current lifeboat station as landing stage for local boat trips

+ activity node

+ key viewpoint

+ key viewpoint

+ key viewpoint

+ potential extention of promenade/boardwalk to knab rock.

KEY TO NOTES- existing negative characteristic+ positive response

Key Viewpoint

Activity Node

current negative attraction

+ improve access to the beach and waters edge

proposed new lifeboat station existing listed lifeboat station retained and converted for possible leisure use

listed pier to be retained and refurbished and brought back into full public use

existing pavilion refurbished for restaurant/cafe bar use

extended public realm

proposed new lifeboat station(ALB)

listed pier to be retained and refurbished and brought back into full public use

existing car parking on headland retained and extended

proposals the foreshore

development masterplan

Lighthouse

Line of old causeway

Middle Head

KEY ASPIRATIONS/GOALS

+ create a vibrant destination with variety of attraction

+ improve and expand the leisure, entertainment and dining experience through quality and variety of offering

+ maximise potential to exploit the panoramic views of Swansea Bay

+ expand and improve public realm by creating safe pedestrian routes separate from vehicles, improved surface materials creating high quality promenade, places of activity, resting/contemplation points animated by the integration of public art and shelter through hard and soft landscaping. Creation of event spaces and comfortable sheltered outdoor spaces promoting use by day and night. Carefully considered lighting strategy along pier and foreshore to highlight key buildings and landscape features.

+ potential re-use of current lifeboat station as landing stage for local boat trips adding interest/activity to pier

+ new RNLI boathouse adds interest/ activity to end of pier

+ improve access to the beach and waters edge

+ potential extention of promenade/boardwalk to knab rock.

+ improve parking numbers & quality

+ existing public access & rights of way maintained and improved

existing listed ‘monkey house’ building restored

hotel/residential accommodation above family entertainment centre, cafes, retail and leisure facilities

existing site management offi ce in ‘old lifeboat cottage’ to be refurbished and extended for restaurant useexisting inshore lifeboat station retained

existing mumbles rowing club building to be upgraded

new pedestrian boardwalk

big apple kiosk retained

proposed new residential accommodation

proposed pavilion/kiosk structure

existing listed lifeboat station retained and converted for leisure use

existing car parking on coastal strip retained and extended

hotel/residential accommodation above family entertainment centre, cafes, retail and leisure facilities

existing site storage to be replaced with site management offi ce accommodation

‘old lifeboat cottage’ to be refurbished and extended for restaurant use

existing inshore lifeboat station retained(ILB) and existing mumbles rowing club building to be upgraded

new pedestrian boardwalk

big apple kiosk retained

proposed new residential accommodation

proposed pavilion/kiosk structure

existing pavilion refurbished for restau-rant/cafe bar use with canopy/shelter added to sea front

extended public realm

Beach

new boardwalk promenade linking knab rock to ILB

knab rock slipway

bracelet bay

spotlight on mumbles pier and foreshore

proposals the pierOverview

RNLI have operated a lifeboat at Mumbles since 1866 with the class of vessel used being progressively improved from the original open oared boat to the current Tyne class All weather Lifeboat (ALB). An inshore lifeboat (ILB) has also operated from The Mumbles since 1965. The current Tyne lifeboat has however reached the end of its operational life and is now scheduled for replacement.

A strategic review of all 230 lifeboat stations in the UK has identifi ed Mumbles as strategically key to the rescue service and will shortly be allocated a new generation Tamar Lifeboat. This lifeboat will improve response time and crew comfort together with better facilities for injured casualties. The extended lifeboat range of 12 hours allows 4 hours search time at a distance 4 hours off shore.

Swansea Bay is equidistant to the operational ALB lifeboat stations at Tenby, Barry Dock and Ilfracombe. Alternative sites have been considered but much of the Bay dries at low water whereas RNLI require 24 hour access to the water at all states of the tides for 365 days of the year.

Boathouse LocationAlternative sites adjacent the pier have been considered but each needs to extend the slipway toe beyond the 2.5m depth of water required at low tide to allow all tide launch of the lifeboat.

The view across Swansea Bay from the pier and also the appearance of the station are key considerations for the continued public enjoyment of the pier in addition to RNLI operational requirements.

It is considered preferable that public access should continue to be available to the most seaward part of the pier which precludes options off the end of the pierhead. Locations just off the pier have also been considered but they tend to interrupt views from and towards the pier.

It is RNLI policy to allow public access into their boathouses although this is restricted when operational. Public information on the service will be displayed to provide interest and an attraction to the public. The facility will include a modest souvenir sales area which can be manned independently from the operational station and external bench seating to the south face under a canopy roof. The 1950’s built concrete landing stage is in an advanced state of decay so will be removed with the potential for an alternative deck provision for the fi shermen being provided by new platforms to either side of the pierhead.

On completion of the boathouse the decayed decking to the pier head will be renewed and fully reopened to the public.

The new boathouse will continue the historic association of the RNLI with the Mumbles and since the 1920’s its pier. Improved lifeboat operation has seen progression in it buildings, the current station housing its third class of lifeboat and not being capable of further modifi cation to accommodate the larger Tamar vessel.

The pier is a listed structure and has been subjected to periodic repair. In particular major refurbishment was carried out in the 1950’s. Whilst the timber decking to the pier stem has since been maintained in serviceable condition its supporting steelwork is now in such poor condition that renewal is required. Modifi cations to the detailing of the substructure work will be considered to ease future maintenance but the historic features of the pier superstructure and balustrading will be retained and restored.

The construction of the boathouse and repair of the pier will require extensive fl oating plant, with construction continuing over some 18 months. In view of the intent to operate a Tamar Lifeboat at Mumbles at the earliest possible date it is envisaged that boathouse construction work will, subject to seasonal, weather and habitat considerations, commence soon after any planning approval and listed buildings consent is granted.

Alternative uses will be found for the current ALB station thus retaining its historic link with the pier, suggestions have included the launch point local boat cruises.

photo montage 2view from west end ofpier car park

photo montage 3knab rock slipway

photo montage 1view from east end ofpier car park

spotlight on mumbles pier and foreshore

benefi tsSome of the main benefi ts that will arise from the proposals include:

Mumbles • Pier will be refurbished and restored to ensure its long-term use for many years to come.

The • ongoing presence of the RNLI will be secured in the Mumbles, through the construction of the new, state-of-the-art Lifeboat House on the end of Mumbles Pier.

The • Mumbles Pier and Foreshore site will be rejuvenated – the range and quality of visitor facilities and attractions will be enhanced for the benefi t of visitors and local people alike.

Access to the site will be improved• for both vehicles and pedestrians / cyclists, and enhancements to the current car parking arrangements will be made. Space will be planned into the proposals for the possible implementation of the land train.

Pedestrians will be able to move through the site in a safer and easier manner• and new areas of public open space will be created for pedestrians to stop and use.

The • enhanced facilities and attractions that are created as part of the redevelopment scheme will draw a greater number of tourists and visitors to the Mumbles, providing economic and employment benefi ts for the area.

The development proposals (through a wide range of surveys and tests) will • ensure that the environment at and surrounding, Mumbles Pier and Foreshore is not harmed in any way.

the design team RNLI

client RNLI

project manager &lead consultant Opuscivil/sructural engineer Opusarchitect Alan Culshaw Associatesplanning consultant Powys Jonesenvironmental consultant Royal Haskoningecological & historicalconsultant edp

the design team foreshore

client AMECO

project manager Davis Langdonplanning consultant Savillsarchitect Powell Dobson Architectscivil/structural engineer Aruplandscape architect/ edpenvironmental consultantclient consultant Whiterock Consulting

Thank you for visiting. We would appreciate your views via the forms provided.

We will read your comments and consider them in the development of our proposals.

The RNLI and AMECO are committed to the Mumbles Pier and Foreshore redevelopment scheme and hope to lodge planning applications with Swansea Council during Summer / Autumn 2010.

what next?

your commentsYour comments are important to us. We would be grateful if you could complete a comment form indicating what you think about these draft proposals.

View along boardwalk

View towards refurbished pavilion

View from pier

spotlight on mumbles pier and foreshore