Promenade closed until 2026 for sea defence work

The entire £180m scheme is due for completion in early 2029

Road closures have been put in place until 2026 as work on a new coastal defence scheme enters its next stage.

Construction of the Southsea Coastal Scheme has begun between Blue Reef Aquarium and the Hovertravel terminal in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth City Council said Clarence Esplanade has been closed along the road and the promenade and a diversion is in place.

The area is due to reopen in the summer of 2026, while the entire £180m scheme is due for completion in early 2029.

The defences are being built along a 4.5km (2.8-mile) of coast.

A temporary footpath across Southsea Common, behind the Naval War Memorial, has been constructed to provide pedestrian access along the area during construction.

The Blue Reef Aquarium, Hovertravel and Clarence Pier have remained open, but The Beach Club and Rowing Club have been closed.

The Rowing Club has been relocated to a temporary building in Pier Road.

Council leader Steve Pitt said: "The temporary closure of this area is necessary for building essential sea defences to protect Portsmouth for the next 100 years.

"Looking forward, we've identified Serpentine Square as a great location for placing artwork along the seafront so that will be an exciting future project for local artists to get involved in."

Changes to the area include:

• A one-way road system, reduced in speed limit from 30mph to 20mph

• A 3m-wide two-way cycle lane running alongside the promenade, segregated from car parking by a 2m buffer strip

• An 8m-wide promenade in most areas

• Grade II-listed memorials placed centrally along the promenade to create a "memorial walk"

• Coastal planted terraces, play areas, new lighting and seating