Promenade to close for essential sea defence work

The promenade between Speakers' Corner and South Parade Pier in Southsea will be closed from 2 March 2026 until May 2027 for essential sea defence works to take place in the latest phase of the Southsea Coastal Scheme.

During work on the phase known as Sub-Frontage 5 East, a short section of Clarence Esplanade alongside The Dell will be closed but the main A288 South Parade road will remain open in both directions for the majority of construction.

There will be some short night-time closures planned that will be communicated closer to the times.

Traffic management will be in place to keep motorists a safe distance from the work, and a pedestrian and cycleway diversion will be available. Local businesses will remain open as usual.

Project Manager Amy Bandrés Arbués said: "The temporary closure of the promenade is necessary for essential sea defence work and enhancements to the area to get underway.

"As with all our frontages, you can expect to see great improvements to the area once it's complete, with features such as terraced planting, new lighting and seating, a two-way cycle lane and the refurbishment of Grade II listed light columns.

"The promenade itself will be raised by around half a metre, with stepped and ramped access provided to the beach."

"At South Parade Pier, improvements will be made under the canopy area, including replacing the deteriorating surface and encasing the ramped walkways."

The civil engineering work comes after more than 1 million tonnes of shingle was imported in late 2025 to double the width of the beach from Speakers' Corner to St George's Road in Eastney, providing the primary sea defence. The beach, combined with the new sea defences once complete will provide protection to over 10,000 properties in Southsea.

The area is due to reopen in Spring 2027.