The Southsea coastline has taken a remarkable step forward, as the VSBW team, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, proudly opened the latest phase of the Southsea Coastal Scheme.
Just in time for the Easter weekend, residents and visitors were welcomed onto a beautifully reimagined stretch of seafront between the Blue Reef Aquarium and Hovertravel terminal.
This milestone marks not just the unveiling of new public space, but the culmination of months of meticulous engineering, collaboration and craftsmanship. Work began on 21 October 2024, focusing on the section around Southsea Common, and the results speak for themselves. The area now boasts robust 1‑in‑200‑year flood protection measures, ensuring long‑term resilience for the community and safeguarding one of Portsmouth’s most cherished coastal areas.
The newly opened section blends technical ingenuity with thoughtful placemaking:
- A one-way road system (westbound) with a single carriageway and a reduction in speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.
- A 3m wide two-way cycle lane running alongside the promenade, segregated from carparking by a 2m buffer strip.
- An 8m wide promenade in most areas.
- Road raising has removed the need for steps around the Naval War Memorial, with new granite surroundings emphasising its historic significance.
- Grade II listed memorials placed centrally along the promenade to create a 'memorial walk'.
- Coastal planted terraces, play areas, new lighting and seating.
- A larger, wider beach.
One of the standout achievements is the transformation of the former Serpentine Square into ‘Centenary Place’. Once an empty, overlooked space, it has been reborn as a lively social hub complete with play areas, seating, and lush planting.
“Delivering this new section of the Southsea seafront is a tremendous achievement and a real testament to the skill, dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. The team has worked with precision and passion to create a space that not only strengthens the city’s coastal defences but enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This is engineering at its best, and a milestone the whole community can celebrate.”
Martin Dobby VolkerStevin Project Director
Project Director for client, Portsmouth City Council Guy Mason said: "The Southsea Coastal Scheme has worked hard to be able to open the latest frontage ahead of time for the long weekend.
"I'd like to thank the public and local businesses for their patience as we worked to improve the seafront area alongside building the sea defence and look forward to increased visitors coming to the area as a result of these enhancements."
The Southsea team are currently working in the area between South Parade Pier and Speakers' Corner, due to be complete by spring 2027. The entire Southsea Coastal Scheme is due for completion in late 2028.
This Portsmouth City Council project is the largest local authority led flood defence scheme in the UK, worth £185m and covering 4.5km of seafront.
