Beach work in Southsea to prepare for summer
The beach is said to be 'rapidly deteriorating' following recent storms
A dredging vessel delivering shingle will lead to a loss of parking and footpath restrictions this weekend as part of the Southsea Coastal Scheme.
The vessel Sospan Dau will arrive today (Saturday 16 March) near the Southsea Rowing Club to carry out two shingle deliveries, each taking 90 minutes.
Southsea Coastal Scheme spokesperson said: “This weekend, shingle is being delivered to replenish the beach near Southsea Rowing Club to make it ready for the summer.
“This is a quick response that will maintain what was a rapidly deteriorating beach following recent storms.”
They said that during the work, parking will be restricted from the Southsea Rowing Club going west toward the Hovertravel terminal for 55 metres. This will involve the closure of around 20 parking spaces. The road will be protected by fencing and debris netting.
“The same area of the beach will be closed to the public, with netting will be installed on the beach side which will allow the pedestrian footpath to stay open,” they added.
“Fencing will be removed on Monday 18 March.”
Two deliveries will take place at high tides, following delivery, the shingle will be evenly distributed.
The coastal defence scheme, which is part of Portsmouth City Council, previously advised pedestrians to keep a safe distance if they’re passing the area.
The next phase of the coastal scheme is set to commence in the Autumn of this year. This defences will extend from the Blue Reef Aquarium to the Hovertravel terminal. Additionally, the area surrounding Southsea Castle is scheduled to open by June 2024.
The defences are being built along a 2.8-mile section of the coast, aimed to protect 4,000 homes from rising sea levels.