Final phase of coastal scheme begins process to relocate historic lamp posts
Coastal defence works take step forward with plan for historic lamp posts
Plans to remove and relocate 16 listed lamp posts along Southsea seafront have been submitted ahead of the final phase of the £185m Southsea Coastal Scheme.
The application has been lodged before construction begins on Phase 7 of the sea defences, which covers the stretch from Speakers’ Corner to Eastney near St George Road.
According to planning documents “16 lamps need to be removed prior to Phase 7 construction of the Southsea Coastal Scheme coastal defence works being implemented”.
Phase 7, also known as Sub Frontage 6, is one of the largest stages of the Southsea Coastal Scheme and is due to run from 2026 until winter 2028.
The works include a new shingle beach, a raised promenade, replacement sea walls and upgraded public spaces including a two way cycle lane.
The section around South Parade Pier and Canoe Lake remains in the final design stage.
The lamp columns will be refurbished where needed before being returned to the seafront, east of South Parade Pier.
Planning papers state they will be “repositioned on to the new promenade, following any necessary refurbishment, as close as possible to their original positions”.
The documents add the move is needed “to avoid any damage during the coastal scheme construction works and to re-position them on the new promenade”.
There are currently 40 Grade II listed lamp columns within the scheme area, with 34 expected to be affected by the wider coastal defence works. The structures are located along Clarence Esplanade, South Parade and Eastney Esplanade.
The council said the lamp columns are valued for their “ornate decoration and inclusion of the Portsmouth City crest and associated artistic interest and heritage value”.
“The lamp columns will be relocated on the promenade as close to their existing locations as possible to minimise any change to their setting. They will be positioned to suit the new horizontal alignment of the promenade.”
You can learn more about the progress of the Southsea coastal project by visiting the website.