Historic seafront structures restored

Work on the shelters included replacing decayed timber and recasting corroded iron decorations

Seafront shelters and ornamental lamp columns have been restored as part of a long-running coastal defence scheme.

The structures on Southsea promenade in Portsmouth were dismantled and removed before construction of new sea defences began in summer 2023.

The Grade II listed features have been part of the promenade since the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Southsea Coastal Scheme, which started in September 2020, aims to reduce the risk of severe flooding and is due to be completed in 2028.

The seafront features were installed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

Restoration work on the shelters included replacing decayed timber, recasting corroded iron decorations and replacing lanterns on lamp columns.

The section of seafront where the lamps and columns are located, from the Pyramids to Speakers' Corner, was reopened to the public in December.

Guy Mason, Southsea Coastal Scheme project director, said: "It was very important for us to work sensitively within the historic environment to enhance these structures while maintaining their original look.

"The conservation repairs have ensured as much of the original fabric is preserved as possible and the lifespan of these iconic seafront assets has been significantly extended."

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "The intricate work to refurbish and reinstate every Grade II listed shelter and lamp column is keeping Southsea's historic character alive while delivering new facilities for the public to enjoy."

As one of the UK's lowest lying cities, Portsmouth is particularly vulnerable to flooding as sea levels rise.

The £180m Southsea Coastal Scheme includes building walls, raising land and widening beaches along a 2.8-mile (4.5km) stretch of coastline.