Promenade next to South Parade Pier closed for the next phase of the sea defence works

The short section of promenade will be raised as part of the scheme which will be connected to the completed works at Speakers’ Corner. It also comes after the re-shingling of the beach last year with one million tonnes of shingle imported to double the width of the beach from Speakers’ Corner to St George’s Road in Eastney.

A short section of Clarence Esplanade alongside The Dell will also be closed, but the main A288 South Parade road will remain open in both directions for the majority of construction, with some short night-time closures planned. Pedestrians and cyclists are also being diverted.

Project Manager Amy Bandrés Arbués said: “The temporary closure of the promenade is necessary for essential sea defence work and enhancements to the area to get underway.

“As with all our frontages, you can expect to see great improvements to the area once it’s complete, with features such as terraced planting, new lighting and seating, a two-way cycle lane and the refurbishment of Grade II listed light columns.

“The promenade itself will be raised by around half a metre, with stepped and ramped access provided to the beach.”

“At South Parade Pier, improvements will be made under the canopy area, including replacing the deteriorating surface and encasing the ramped walkways.”

The beach, combined with the new sea defences once complete will provide protection to over 10,000 properties in Southsea.

The area is due to reopen in Spring 2027, and South Parade Pier will remain open as usual throughout.