The first (small) area is……open!

Progress update

While recent autumn weather, and a temporary pause in work around the Peronne Road footbridge to allow for SSE to replace underground electricity cables have nudged our earliest hoped-for completion date slightly, we remain firmly on track for our original target of finishing the scheme in 2026.

This milestone will align with Portsmouth’s Centenary Year, marking 100 years of city status. The flood defence schemes at North Portsea and Southsea will continue to protect the city from coastal flooding for the next 100 years and beyond.

Throughout the project, we have worked closely with every major service provider on and off Portsea Island, including SGN, Portsmouth Water, Southern Water, Network Rail, and SSE. These collaborative efforts have helped minimise disruption, keeping the programme and costs on track.

In the meantime, we are doing all we can to reopen completed sections safely as soon as possible and we are pleased to share some good news:

As of this week, the small footbridge over the moat at the eastern end of the site (near the railway bridge) is now open to the public. This means it’s once again possible to enjoy a circular walking route along the creek and back towards Anchorage Park.

watch our latest video

On the road again…

We are heading out for a “winter roadshow” again to give you the latest progress updates and answer any questions you may have.

Thursday, 13 November 2025, 12pm – 3pm

Casemates Café, 4 Scott Rd, Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO3 5JH

and in collaboration with the Southsea Coastal Scheme on

Thursday, 18 December 2025, 10am – 1pm

Southsea Library, 19-21 Palmerston Rd, Southsea Portsmouth,PO5 3QQ

We’ll see you there!

Old finds, new plans

Historic structure was uncovered during excavation works

This week brought an exciting moment for the North Portsea Coastal Scheme team – a historic structure was uncovered during excavation works near Portsbridge Car Park.

A brick chamber with steel pipework was found, and while it is a little too ‘new’ to be part of the original Hilsea Lines fortifications, it is likely connected to the Hilsea Tunnel waterworks. A significant waterworks tunnel was constructed under Ports Creek at Hilsea in 1903-04 to bring fresh water from the mainland to Portsea Island. That still places it at an estimated 100-120 years old.

Wessex Archaeology have been on site to ensure any archaeological discoveries are protected and conserved. This brick structure has been carefully recorded by an archaeologist and will be cleaned up and preserved beneath the new coastal defences. We will share more details soon!

Improvement work on A3 Northern Parade and London Rd

Portsmouth City Council has begun improvement work at this key junction to make travel across the city easier, safer, and more reliable.

The project is being delivered in two phases:

Phase 1: Autumn 2025 (starting Monday 27 October 2025 for approx. six weeks)
Phase 2: Early 2026 (details to follow)

These upgrades respond to feedback from residents and businesses and are backed by traffic data and modelling. Funded through Portsmouth’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), the work aims to enhance public transport and reduce congestion.

Key improvements include:

Upgraded bus lanes
Resurfaced roads, pavements, and cycle paths
Improved drainage
New illuminated signs
Added green spaces
Better traffic flow for all road users

Travel impacts:

Varying lane closures northbound and southbound
Closure of southbound right turn into Northern Parade (7 weeks)
Signed diversions in place
Temporary suspension of Hilsea Crescent bus stop (Stop G)—use Oakwood Road or Hilsea Lido stops

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

For more information on visit