Jubilee Green Coastal Defence, Saltash

The current revetment supporting the seawall and riverbank at Jubilee Green is in place to protect the boat park, open green space and car park from coastal erosion. Following routine inspections, it has been identified that it is deteriorating and is now in a failing condition.

Jubilee Green falls within the SSSI Impact Risk Zone for the Tamar Tavy Estuary which is designated for its biological and geological features. The importance of this is recognised and the protection and enhancement of all environmental, marine, heritage and archaeological aspects of the project will be comprehensively and effectively managed. The project is designed to prioritise functionality, environmental sensitivity, and integration with the Waterside Character Area.

The use of rock armour ensures a durable, low-maintenance solution that respects the site’s environmental and heritage sensitivities while maintaining public access and enhancing the waterfront’s resilience.

Rock armour is widely used in coastal protection because it is robust, flexible, and effective at absorbing water and wave energy, making it particularly suitable for locations like Jubilee Green where an existing revetment has failed. When the water hits the rocks, it is broken up and forced to move through gaps between the stones, taking the energy out of the waves, before damage can be done. Rock armour also blends easily into coastal landscapes like Jubilee Green.

The installation process at Jubilee Green will start with removing the failed revetment and reshaping the area to create the right slope for the new defence. As the old revetment is broken up, material will be set aside and reused wherever possible as part of the new coastal defence, being placed amongst the rock armour, adding variation in shape and texture.

Before the rock armour is positioned, a geotextile membrane will be put in place. This will act as a filter, allowing water to pass through it, but preventing the finer soil materials behind it from being washed away. A layer of smaller stones will then be laid to form a stable base, then the main armour rocks carefully positioned, interlocking and sitting on top.

Rock armour also creates conditions for a new, living shoreline to develop over time. Because it is made up of large, irregular rocks with plenty of gaps and surfaces, it naturally provides habitat for vegetation and marine life to establish. Seaweed and other algae can start to grow on the surface of the rocks, whilst between and beneath the rocks are countless small spaces that act as shelter for marine invertebrates like crabs, barnacles, mussels and small shellfish. These gaps provide protection from predators, strong waves, and drying out between tides and in time will act like a natural rocky shore, offering the same kind of habitat that these species would find along a cliff or natural reef.

Once everything is in place, the surrounding area would be reinstated so the space remains a usable, enjoyable and safe place for the public.

We appreciate that while this project is underway, there will be some short-term disruption for businesses and residents nearby and are very grateful to everyone for their patience and understanding. Thank you.

CONTACT US: If you have any queries or concerns, or would like to speak to someone about this project, please email: contracting@cormacltd.co.uk(External link)(External link) or call us on 0300 1234 222