Southsea Common’s temporary footpath set to be removed on Tuesday
A temporary asphalt footpath across Southsea Common is being removed from Tuesday (April 7) following the opening of the new area of sea defences constructed by the Southsea Coastal Scheme.
The path which stretched from Blue Reef Aquarium and Hovertravel terminal enabled and went behind the Naval War Memorial allowed for public access across the common while the main promenade was closed for 18 months for the construction works.
It was added as an informal diversion route in October 2024 to provide pedestrian access along the area, in addition to a formal diversion route via Serpentine Way, Duisburg Way and Clarence Parade.
The Naval War Memorial remained intact throughout the sea defence construction and the team engaged with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure their support for the design around this Grade I listed building.
Project manager Amy Bandrés Arbués said: "The temporary footpath was our way of ensuring people could have accessible entry to the Naval War Memorial and a convenient route across Southsea Common while the promenade was closed.
"With construction starting in October, we were mindful that the memorial hosts major annual Remembrance and Armistice events in November and wanted to ensure that disruption was minimised.
"As per our planning conditions, we are now removing the footpath to return the common to its original condition, as a Grade II Listed Park and Garden, and we hope people enjoy accessing the memorial from the seafront side of the memorial.
"This access is now level between the promenade and the memorial, as opposed to the previous steps, with new stone laid across the entrance which is in keeping with the memorial.”
Once the path has been removed the remaining hoardings on Southsea Common will also be removed. The area reopened to the public on April 2 2026, in time for the Easter holidays.