There were enough of us to pack out the Southsea Coastal Scheme meeting room on one of the hottest days of the year. It got rather warm despite the open windows and the running fans. In a tribute to our members’ resilience, no-one passed out.
An interesting and informative presentation covered the history of Portsmouth urbanisation, the age and vulnerability of the existing sea defences and the risk of a major flood incident – no surprise to those who have lived in the city for a while. The two articulate presenters went on to explain the options considered, which has been selected, and where we are now with the project. Southsea and North Portsea are the lead projects in a programme which will eventually embrace the whole of Portsea Island.
The Southsea Coastal Scheme is the UK’s largest local authority-led coastal defences project, comprising six frontages over 4.5 km from Old Portsmouth to Eastney. It will reduce the flood risk to more than 10,000 homes and 700 businesses. The interest of the project is enhanced by the need to work with and around historic surrounds and improve the amenities of an area popular with residents and visitors.
Following some intelligent and insightful questions we took a stroll to see work in progress on Frontage 3 (Southsea Common) and completed at Frontage 4 (Southsea Castle) and 5 (Pyramids to Speakers’ Corner). At Southsea Castle a wider, terraced promenade (now lit) greatly improves access while a 96m rock groyne helps protect the beach. Further east the promenade has been raised by 600mm with a stepped revetment leading to a managed beach and a low set back wall. All Grade II listed shelters and lamp standards are refurbished and replaced in the process.
All in all, a fascinating morning.
Please see our Events page for future attractions.