HI, WE'RE KNIGHTS BROWN
Get to Know Us
You may not have heard of us before, so we would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and share a brief overview of Knights Brown.
We are a privately owned and independent construction company deeply committed to the communities we serve. Our team consists of local professionals who are passionate about the areas we work in, as these are our homes too. We take pride in our approachable,
down-to-earth style and friendly teams, which ensure a straightforward construction experience.
Our expertise is particularly evident in water-related projects, as we specialise in coastal protection works, with extensive experience in maintaining the Welsh coastline.
We are pleased to announce that Cardiff Council has recently awarded us the Cardiff Coastal Defence Scheme contract. As we prepare to commence our work shortly, we believe it is essential to reach out and provide you with information about the project and what you can anticipate in the upcoming months. Together, we aim to foster a strong, collaborative relationship with the community as we embark on this important initiative.
A BIT ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project aims to enhance flood and coastal erosion protection for businesses and residential properties presently at risk of flooding in Cardiff.
The scope of our protection works will stretch along the coast from Tidefields Road into the Rhymney River estuary, extending as far as the Lamby Way bridge. We also plan to conduct supplementary works in the fields beneath the bridges at the rear of the Pengam allotments.
The majority of our projects focus on building new rock armour embankments to protect Cardiff's shoreline from further erosion. We will also make improvements to existing flood bunds by enlarging and raising them, which will enhance protection against possible future floods.
In locations where the river is close to the highway, such as Rover Way and Lamby Way, we plan to construct sheet pile walls that will match the height of the nearby flood bunds. Additionally, where the riverbank has eroded, we will strengthen it by using new concrete or block stone revetments.
To keep everyone safe, we will secure our work areas with barriers and fencing, clearly marked with signs that highlight potential hazards. Our main activities will include operating heavy machinery and vibration piling. We will monitor noise and vibrations throughout the project to minimise any inconvenience to local businesses and residents. While we aim to reduce disturbances, some disruption is unavoidable due to the nature of the work.
Temporary closures of surrounding roads and footpaths may be required at different times during the project, and we will make sure to inform you in advance of any changes or diversions.
PROJECT LOCATION MAP
PROGRESS TO DATE & UPCOMING WORKS
Work continues across the scheme, and there is plenty to share since our last update. Here is where things stand in each area, along with what neighbouring businesses and road users can expect over the coming months.
Piling works
Phase One of the piling works is now complete. There is a short pause before Phase Two begins, so that we can talk properly with neighbouring businesses and make sure everyone knows what is planned in the months ahead.
The way we install the remaining piles along Lamby Way has had to change. Restrictions on road closures mean we can only close one lane of Lamby Way rather than the whole road, so the remaining piles will now go in using a pile press. This method works progressively from the sheet piles already in place, using the reaction from those piles to press each new one hydraulically into the ground. The advantage for you is that it keeps one lane of Lamby Way open, so businesses to the east of the River Rhymney can still get through while we work.
Keeping that lane open does come at a cost to traffic. The traffic management needed for this work will hold traffic on the roundabout using temporary lights, and that will cause some delay. If there is an alternative route you can take, we would ask that you use it while these works are on. It will help keep things moving for everyone.
As it stands, the works are programmed to start overnight on Sunday 20 September, so the arrangements will be in place for the Monday morning commute on 21 September. We will take the traffic management away over the Christmas period and put it back afterwards, and it will then stay in place until the end of February. Please also be aware that there will be a number of overnight full road closures during this time, so that the site can be supplied with deliveries and cleared of key materials and equipment. We will give advance warning of these closures with signage beforehand.
Section 12
Section 12 is close to finished. The rock armour is complete throughout, and only one small area of earthworks remains. We expect that to be done before winter.
Section 22
This section is coming on well. All the sheet piles are in, and the steel pile cap that sits on top of them is now installed too. That clears the way for the last piece of work alongside the piles, where the earthworks bunds will be built up over the coming weeks. Again, we expect this to be complete before winter.
Alongside those earthworks, the new road access into the boat club will start in the coming weeks. That work should take around six to eight weeks.
Section 32
The sheet piles are installed throughout the Rover Way area. The rest of the work here is on hold for now while we review the proposed design of the revetment on the wet side of the sheet piles. We are looking at whether the design can be adjusted to bring down cost and make it easier to build, which should also cut the time these works take to complete.
Sections 42 and 52
Access into these areas is now complete, which means plant and machinery can get in to import the earth for the new flood bunds, while we protect the sensitive saltmarsh habitat next to the river. The dry weather has helped, and the Section 42 bund is already around 30% built. Section 52 will follow once Section 42 is finished.
These works sit within the tidal zone, so we have to pause during the highest tides and wait for them to drop back before we can get below the Southern Way flyover and carry on.