Promenade around historic castle reopens to public

The promenade around a historic castle has reopened to the public

The walkway around Southsea Castle, in Portsmouth, was closed for regeneration work as part of the £130m Southsea Coastal Scheme.

The scheme will stretch for 4.5km (2.8 miles) from Old Portsmouth to Eastney, and aims to help to reduce the risk of flooding.

Portsmouth City Council said the 145,000 tonnes of rock placed in the area, known as the "theatre of the sea", offers "one-in-200-year protection from a flood event."

Southsea Castle is an artillery fort originally constructed by Henry VIII in 1544.

The frontage around Southsea Castle has opened in time for D-Day commemorations

Councillor Hugh Mason, cabinet member for planning policy and city development at the council, said it offered "far greater accessibility to the area".

“The terraced design is ideal for showcasing the castle in its historic setting and is sure to become a real social hub for residents and visitors to sit and enjoy stunning views across the Solent,” he said.

The promenade design was altered to include a historic triangular defence structure designed by the Dutch engineer Bernard De Gomme, uncovered during construction work.

The works have finished in time for the 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations set to take place this summer.

This is the second section of seafront to be reopened by the scheme, following Long Curtain Moat in 2022.