Transforming Southsea’s waterfront: Next major construction phase begins on Southsea Coastal Scheme Frontage 5 East
The VSBW team, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster is moving into a major new phase as construction progresses on the Southsea Coastal Scheme along Frontage 5 East, between Speakers’ Corner and South Parade Pier.
From March 2026 until May 2027, this section of promenade will close to allow the delivery of complex coastal defence works that will ultimately help protect more than 10,000 properties in Southsea.
This stage builds on work that began in October 2025, when over a million tonnes of shingle were imported to create a new beach forming the primary defence. The Canoe Lake outfall was also extended to ensure the drainage system remains resilient as sea levels and storm pressures increase. With the beach recharge now complete, the focus shifts to integrating hard engineering, public realm improvements and heritage-sensitive refurbishment into a cohesive, future-proofed frontage.
Construction will include a new stepped revetment, continuing the design established in earlier phases to dissipate wave energy and provide a durable, low‑maintenance defence. The promenade will be raised by around half a metre to improve overtopping performance, with ramped access points installed at regular intervals to maintain accessibility to the beach. To manage the level difference between the raised promenade and the existing highway, terraced planting will be introduced on the landward side, offering both a practical solution and a visual enhancement to the seafront.
A two‑way cycle lane will run along the southern edge of the highway, improving sustainable travel along the seafront, while the adjacent highway will undergo full resurfacing. The scheme also includes the refurbishment of the Grade II listed light columns, ensuring these historic features are preserved while being upgraded to modern standards. New lighting and seating will be installed throughout the frontage, enhancing the public realm and improving the visitor experience.
At South Parade Pier, the area beneath the canopy will be upgraded with a resin‑bound gravel surface to replace the deteriorating existing finish. The ramps will be encased in warm white concrete and fitted with new handrails, improving both durability and appearance.
To safely deliver this extensive programme, the promenade between South Parade Pier and Speakers’ Corner will remain closed throughout the construction period, with a temporary pedestrian and cycle diversion in place to maintain connectivity along the seafront.
Once complete, the combination of the new beach, stepped revetment and raised promenade will significantly strengthen Southsea’s resilience to coastal flooding and erosion.
