Councillor claims Southsea will have “one of the finest promenades in Europe”
Councillor claims “In two years, Southsea will have one of the finest promenades in Europe” as sea defence designs are approved.
Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee has approved designs for a segment of the Southsea Coastal Scheme stretching from Speaker’s Corner to South Parade Pier.
The proposals include new areas of planting along the promenade, with raised planters, coastal wild flowers and shingle surfaces.
Historic lamp columns would be removed, restored and then reinstalled, while new modern lighting would be added in selected areas.
New street furniture, such as seating, bins and handrails, is also proposed. These would match designs already used elsewhere along the seafront.
Benches and short walls would be added on both sides of the pier to help connect the new sea defences.
Speaking at the planning committee, Denise Perry, a local campaigner, said most residents she had spoken to “loved the works at the seafront so far”, praising it for introducing new features while retaining historic elements.
However, she suggested that adequate bins, water for dog walkers and a painted cycle lane should be introduced.
Also speaking at the meeting, councillor Peter Candlish described the sea defences as “another legacy project” for the city.
He added the council had “played a blinder” in designing “what could have been a fairly dull and functional set of sea defences” with interesting elements like the Theatre of the Sea and the Windbreaks open air gallery.
“In two years, Southsea will have one of the finest promenades in Europe, I believe,” he added.
However, he raised concerns on behalf of residents with disabilities or mobility issues trying to access the “heart of the beach”, which has recently been doubled in size.
He also said carers and disability groups had suggested making the ramps for wheelchair users less steep.
He then remarked on local sea swimmers, which he described as a “hardy bunch” who do not ask for much, despite clean water.
However, they suggested access to cold water for a wash or shower, a shelter from the wind and potentially some “modest lockers”.
Planning officers noted the concerns and said details could be discussed outside of the planning committee.