Major milestone as large parts of Ports Creek and Hilsea Lines set to reopen after sea defences works

Large parts of Ports Creek and Hilsea Lines are set to reopen to the public within days - just in time for half term - in a major milestone for the sea defences project.

For the past two years the area to the north of Foxes Forest has been closed while new sea defences has been created along the south side of the creek. And now for the first time residents will be able to see much of the works which have been carried out.

The project has seen a new taller embankment created with a rock armour toe to absorb wave energy and stop shoreline erosion, as well as new footpaths and better drainage for the site. At the same time with improvements works having also been carried out to dredge and improve the moat area which is a popular spot for ducks and swans.

Two loops will be open ahead of half term next week on both sides of the Perrone Road bridge which will include new seating areas. Some access around the bridge itself will be closed until next year while SSE installs new electricity cables beneath Ports Creek and the moat which has delayed the completion of the project.

This latest phase of works in the latest for the North Portsea Coastal Scheme which has transformed 8.4km of coastline over the past 11 years at Anchorage Park, Milton Common, Tipner, Eastern Road and Hilsea Lines. This has combined new flood defences with improved habitats, public spaces and walking and cycling routes across the area.

Once finished, the scheme will significantly reduce the risk of coastal flooding for more than 4,200 homes, around 500 businesses and key infrastructure, including Eastern Road, helping to protect this part of Portsmouth for the next 100 years as sea levels rise.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Opening these areas is an important milestone after more than a decade of work on the North Portsea Coastal Scheme.

“As well as protecting thousands of homes and businesses from coastal flooding, the scheme has created new spaces for people to enjoy the waterfront and Hilsea Lines.

“There is still work to complete around Peronne Road Bridge, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we move towards completing the scheme.”

The council said that temporary routes from Peronne Road may occasionally change or close while the SSE work around the bridge is underway which is essential to secure Portsmouth's future electricity supply. It must be completed before the remaining sea defences can be constructed next to the bridge next year.

Mike Crook, divisional director at Knights Brown, which is carry out the works, said: “Reaching this stage at Ports Creek is a significant milestone, not only for the North Portsea Coastal Scheme but for the wider city of Portsmouth. We are proud to have worked alongside Coastal Partners, Portsmouth City Council and the Environment Agency to help deliver infrastructure that will provide long-term protection from coastal flooding while creating new spaces for people to enjoy.

"As the final chapter of this landmark scheme begins, it's rewarding to see sections of the completed works opening to the public and already delivering benefits for local communities. We would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience and support throughout construction as we continue working towards the full completion of this nationally significant project."

Contractors will remain on site and some areas will stay fenced off while work continues. The exceptionally hot and dry summer has affected some newly seeded and planted areas, which will continue to develop over the coming months. Work is ongoing to return the Portsbridge Carpark back to public use, with the site being used as a base for project workers.

The North Portsea Coastal Scheme is funded by the Environment Agency and delivered by Coastal Partners on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, with the latest phase constructed by Knights Brown.

The project has also supported wider investment in North Portsea Island, including improvements to public spaces and visitor destinations and the recently renovated Hilsea Lido.

Work will continue around Peronne Road Bridge and on remaining finishing elements, with full completion expected in autumn 2027.

Residents can keep up to date through the North Portsea Coastal Scheme bulletin, website and social media channels.