Great progress is being made to create new sea defences next to South Parade Pier, with the first ‘steps’ to the beach now installed.
The first pre-cast concrete units have started to be lifted into place with more than 20 of the 349 blocks already installed. These will eventually help to increase the height of the beach area to provide better protection.
Once complete, the edge of the beach will match that created further along the esplanade near Speakers’ Corner, with a new-look promenade also set to be installed by the Southsea Coastal Scheme team.
The roadside edge of promenade opposite the Co-op on the seafront is also being broken up ahead of installing the pre-cast units that will make up the tiered planters on the roadside similar to the ones near Speakers’ Corner.
The area will be closed to the public until May 2027, with South Parade Pier open as normal.
Pictures: Marcin Jedrysiak

1. Sea defences
New sea defences next to South Parade Pier in Southsea with the new concreate units being installed between the promenade and the beach. New planters are also being created. Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

2. Title: Sea defence by the South Parade Pier update Pictured: Sea defence by the South Parade Pier update Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak
New sea defences next to South Parade Pier in Southsea with the new concreate units being installed between the promenade and the beach. New planters are also being created. Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

3. Sea defences
New sea defences next to South Parade Pier in Southsea with the new concreate units being installed between the promenade and the beach. Picture: Southsea Coastal Scheme | Southsea Coastal Scheme

4. Sea defences
New sea defences next to South Parade Pier in Southsea. Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak