Southsea Coastal Scheme team open section of seafront in time for Christmas
The VSBW team, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, has hit a major milestone on the Southsea Coastal Scheme by unveiling a newly completed section of the seafront from the Pyramids to Speakers' Corner.
Just in time for the festive season, this exciting update gives residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a beautifully revitalized area over the festive period.
With barriers now removed, the promenade between Blue Reef Aquarium and Speakers’ Corner is fully accessible, offering a stunning stretch for all to explore. This improvement marks a significant leap forward, as the area has been raised by 600mm to provide protection against flooding, offering a 1-in-200-year level of defence. The new design also features steps leading to a managed beach and a sleek low setback wall behind the promenade, all enhancing the area’s beauty and safety.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our project as we successfully open this new section just in time for Christmas, for both the local community and visitors to enjoy. “It has been a true team effort, with everyone working tirelessly and collaboratively. The dedication, hard work, and seamless coordination of every team member have been remarkable, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This is just one of many milestones in what is shaping up to be an exceptional project, and we look forward to delivering even more for the community in the months ahead."
Martin Dobby Project Director
Key features of this newly opened section include:
- The Windbreaks: A brand-new shelter and outdoor public art area.
- Heritage restorations: Grade II listed shelters and lamp columns have been meticulously restored and returned to their original locations.
- Speakers’ Corner playground: A new play area with climbing frames and safer rubber flooring to inspire adventure.
- Green spaces: Wildflowers, trees, and green areas around The Pyramids and the Rock Garden will not only boost local biodiversity but also improve soil health and offer natural flood management.
- Enhanced seating: New, fully accessible seating areas along the promenade.
- More Lighting: An upgraded lighting scheme, including a newly illuminated stretch from the Pyramids to the Rock Garden, enhancing both safety and ambiance.
Portsmouth City Council Leader, Councillor Steve Pitt said: "I'm delighted to see this iconic area of seafront open in time for residents and visitors to enjoy it over the festive period.
"Opening early does mean that you may see some of the team in action putting the remaining finishing touches in place in the early part of the new year, but timing the opening now will allow people to enjoy the extended walk along the seafront over the break."
The Southsea Coastal Scheme is the UK's largest local authority-led coastal defences' project, worth £180M. It will stretch for 4.5km from Old Portsmouth to Eastney and help to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 10,000 homes and 700 businesses.
