38 pictures revealing a sneak peek at fantastic new-look promenade in Southsea which opens tomorrow - pictures

The promenade between the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Hovertravel terminal has been given a major upgrade as part of the ongoing Southsea Coastal Scheme and reopens on Thursday morning (April 2) in time for the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend.

A particular highlight is the renamed two-tier 'Centenary Place' (formerly Serpentine Square) which has been transformed from an empty, disused space into a stunning social hub featuring a play area, seating and planting.

Other highlights include:

• New lighting and seating - including the return of the iconic yellow shelters
• Grade II listed memorials placed centrally along the promenade to create a 'memorial walk'
• Luna Park in a new position
• A one-way road system (westbound) with a single carriageway and a reduction in speed limit from 30mph to 20mph
• A 3m wide two-way cycle lane running alongside the promenade, segregated from carparking by a 2m buffer strip
• An 8m wide promenade in most areas
• Road raising has removed the need for steps around the Naval War Memorial, with new granite surroundings emphasising its historic significance
• Three new drinking water points
• Stepped access onto the beach, with a step-free access near the Hovertravel terminal
• A larger, wider beach
• Two new pedestrian crossings at either end of the section

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Project Manager Amy Bandrés Arbués said the team which has been working on were delighted the public will finally be able to see all of the completed promenade which links up with the section previously completed towards Southsea Castle.

She said: “We want to welcome you all down so you can see what we have achieved along this frontage.”