16,000 spectacular granite bricks are installed as work to create new sea defences in Southsea continues

The blocks will make up the road surface in front of the Naval War Memorial and are being installed by the Southsea Coastal Scheme team.

The rest of the road, which will be one-way when it reopens, will be of a more standard design. However the area in front of the war memorial has been treated differently to highlight its importance to the city and surrounding area.

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The Southsea Coastal Scheme team said: “This Amarelo Alpendurada granite will tie in with the colour palate of the stonework surrounding the war memorial, creating a lovely tie in feature here. There are more than 16,000 of these bricks to install altogether and we are a third of the way through so far.”

Meanwhile the new nearby feature spot on the promenade next to Blue Reef has officially been named as Centenary Place, and is part of a number of initiatives to mark Portsmouth officially becoming a city 100 years ago this year.

The sea defences team explained: “This large social spot contains large benches, tiered planters, an incidental play area, and a water fountain. Extra service points have also been installed here to make it possible for concessions and events to use this fantastic space.”

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The small Luna Park dinosaur sculpture has also been moved back to Southsea from its temporary home in Gunwharf Quays and has been placed into her permanent position along the new promenade looking out to the Solent.

The sculpture pays homage to the large dinosaur sculpture which was destroyed by a fire on Southsea Common in 2010.

For more details about the sea defence scheme visit the Southsea Coastal Scheme website.