Southsea Coastal Scheme wins prestigious Infrastructure Leadership award
We’re delighted to announce that the Southsea Coastal Scheme has won the Sir John Armitt Award for Infrastructure Leadership at the 2025 British Construction Industry Awards.
Named after one of the UK’s most influential engineering minds, this prestigious award recognises the scheme’s outstanding delivery, innovation, and collaboration across Frontages 4 (Southsea Castle) and Frontage 5 (Pyramids to Speakers’ Corner) of the UK’s largest local authority-led coastal defence project.
“Winning the inaugural Sir John Armitt Award is a proud moment for everyone involved in the Southsea Coastal Scheme. “It’s a reflection of the extraordinary teamwork, technical excellence, and shared vision that have driven this project from day one. The transformation of Frontages 4 and 5 is a shining example of how infrastructure can protect communities while enhancing public spaces and I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and passion our team has shown throughout.”
Martin Dobby VolkerStevin Project Director
“This award reflects the dedication of every partner, stakeholder and community member involved in shaping a resilient, inclusive and beautiful coastline for future generations. “This project is so much more than a coastal defence scheme: it has created a “magnetic” destination, blending flood protection, community, environment and heritage. Through strong collaboration, using an integrated delivery model based on trust, the team have helped to protect 10,000 homes and 700 businesses, as well as preserving heritage, enhancing well-being and promoting regeneration.”
Guy Mason Southsea Coastal Scheme Project Director
Sir John Armitt, Chair of the judging panel for the prize said: “I am delighted to have been asked to help select the inaugural award in my name and celebrate the very best we can achieve. We design to satisfy a client’s desired outcomes. But at the same time, we need to satisfy wider stakeholders that we have created buildings and infrastructure which benefit the community and create an improved and uplifting environment.
“To achieve this, we must be creative, innovate, and challenge ourselves and our colleagues in a collaborative approach – and this award recognises a project team that exemplifies these very qualities.”
The Southsea Coastal Scheme has reimagined Frontages 4 and 5 into a vibrant, resilient shoreline that beautifully balances robust flood protection with inviting public spaces.
Frontage 4, surrounding the historic Southsea Castle was completed between 2022 and 2024. It now features a rock armour sea defence safeguarding Portsmouth’s southernmost edge. Above it, a striking split-level promenade known locally as the Theatre of the Sea offers terraced seating and sweeping views across the Solent, with heritage artefacts thoughtfully woven into the design.
Frontage 5, stretching east from the Pyramids to Speakers’ Corner, builds on this transformation. Finished in December 2024, it extends the upgraded promenade and flood defence line, enhancing walkability, visual flow, and access for all.
Together, these frontages showcase how engineering, heritage, and community enjoyment can thrive side by side, creating a coastal space that’s as protective as it is picturesque.
This award is not only a testament of the engineering excellence at the heart of the project, but also the power of teamwork, community engagement, and sustainable innovation.
Congratulations to the entire Southsea Coastal Scheme team!
