PHASE 5
Phase 5: Ports Creek
Phase 5 is the final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme, running along the shoreline of Ports Creek in Hilsea. Construction began in September 2024 and is programmed to be completed in 2026.
This phase links seamlessly with the completed defences at Anchorage Park to the east and plays a key role in protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the northern coast of Portsea Island.
As the area is known for its green open spaces, our work aims to retain and emphasize the natural feel. The embankment has been designed with sustainability in mind, using natural materials such as rock and soil and requiring very little concrete. Wherever possible, materials are being recycled and repurposed: nutrient-rich foreshore material excavated during construction has been carefully retained and added to the rock toe, supporting plant growth and habitat creation. Trees and vegetation that had to be removed are being reused to form marginal edging along the moat and contribute to other environmental enhancements – helping to preserve biodiversity and reduce waste throughout the project.
Diversions and closures
London Road temporary bridge (Portsbridge roundabout car park) is still in place. This temporary scaffold footpath has been provided to keep pedestrian access as short and safe as possible and to avoid a considerably longer diversion, including crossing London Road. While this does not remove the inconvenience, it is intended to reduce it as far as we reasonably can while work continues.
Please be assured that we will reopen the original footpath as soon as it is safe to do so.
Peronne Road temporary bridge has now been removed and is now fully reopened to the public.
Thank you in advance for your patience as we complete this final phase.
To minimise disruption and protect the natural environment, the construction site boundaries have been kept as close as possible to the footprint of the new embankment. This approach reduces the need to remove trees and shrubs, while maintaining maximum access for local residents and visitors throughout the works.
The entire southern side of the moat and Foxes Forest remains open and accessible during construction. The only closure is the small footbridge near the railway bridge, which is closed during the work to allow us to build the connection to the new footpath in that area.
Design and Engineering
The design for Phase 5 matches the successful approach used in Phase 1, combining raised earth embankments, a rock armour toe and enhanced footpaths. The design drawing show how the new defences integrate with existing features while improving public access and connectivity.
Key features:
- Raised earth embankments with wildflower and grass surfacing
- Upgraded footpath routes
- Integration with Anchorage Park defences to the east
- Planting and landscaping to retain the area’s natural character as well as environmental enhancements to boost biodiversity and help nature thrive
- A raised and upgraded slipway near Portsbridge Roundabout car park
Environmental Enhancements
This phase includes a wide range of environmental improvements to support biodiversity and protect sensitive habitats along the moat, creek, and surrounding woodlands.
Mitigating the removal of trees and shrubs:
- Trees removed during construction will be replaced with an equal or greater number of appropriate species, sizes, and quality
- Marginal edge solutions will be introduced in the moats to improve water quality and redefine this important historical feature
- Scrub planting will create lowland mixed deciduous woodland, providing nesting and foraging habitat for a range of species
- Removed vegetation will be reused to create log piles and rotting wood features, benefiting protected species such as reptiles and stag beetles
Respecting and protecting the environment during construction:
- Vegetation was gradually cleared under ecological supervision, with daily surveys to safely relocate native reptiles like slow worms and lizards to secure fenced zones
- A silt curtain was installed to prevent sediment migration into nearby harbours, protecting sensitive saltmarsh habitats and seagrass beds
- Nest boxes suitable for local breeding bird species were erected in adjacent habitats before site clearance began
- Excavated foreshore material will be reinstated over the rock revetment to encourage colonisation by saltmarsh and salt-tolerant plants
Environmental Boost for the Moat
New funding secured for 2025/26 marks a major step forward for Foxes Forest and the historic Hilsea Lines Moat – an ecologically rich green corridor home to wetlands, reedbeds, and diverse wildlife.
As part of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme, this funding enables targeted restoration work to improve water quality and enhance the moat’s habitat and heritage.
Moat restoration work
- Reedbeds will be planted to filter pollutants, oxygenate the water, and trap silt – helping prevent harmful algal blooms and improving conditions for fish, eels, and waterfowl
- Dredging will improve water depth and overall quality
- Marginal revetments on the northern bank will be planted with native species to stabilise the banks and boost water quality – blending nature, heritage, and flood protection into one thriving space
