Portsmouth City Council consultation reveals overwhelming public backing for new watersports facility development, with over 1,800 residents participating in citywide engagement exercise showing strong community interest.
Portsmouth City Council has published results from its comprehensive consultation regarding the future development of the Eastney watersports location.
The findings demonstrate significant community support for progressing with a modern watersports facility, whilst showing minimal enthusiasm for renovating the existing indoor swimming pool.
More than 1,800 residents participated through online surveys and direct community engagement sessions throughout Portsmouth. Key findings include:
Strong usage intentions: Almost two-thirds (64%) indicated they would be ‘very likely’ to utilise a new watersports facility, with consistent enthusiasm across different age groups and residential areas.
Popular watersports activities: Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking emerged as top preferences (62–66%), alongside interest in open water rowing, kitesurfing, and kiteboarding. Residents also expressed interest in wing foiling and windsurfing facilities.
Sustainability and heritage priorities: Respondents overwhelmingly supported eco-friendly features including solar panels and rainwater collection systems. Additionally, 70% wanted the site’s heritage elements to remain central to the development, whilst 68% emphasised the importance of enhancing this seafront area given its proximity to protected natural habitats.
Essential facility requirements: Changing rooms, storage lockers, indoor shower facilities, and accessibility features topped residents’ priority lists. A café and new public conveniences also received strong support (73–82%).
Inclusive access: Accessible walkways, changing facilities, and specialist-trained staff were identified as crucial for ensuring the centre welcomes all community members.
Notably, only 5% of respondents wanted the former Eastney swimming pool refurbished, supporting the council’s strategy to explore alternative uses whilst developing modern facilities at nearby Bransbury Park.
Complete consultation results are available on the council’s website.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council Leader, commented:
“We appreciate everyone who contributed to this consultation. The responses demonstrate clear community desire for a modern, accessible watersports centre serving both current and future needs.
“Combined with our investment in Bransbury Park‘s new leisure centre, Mountbatten Centre improvements, and announcing exciting new Hilsea Lido operators, we’re proving our commitment to citywide sporting facilities.”
The council will utilise these findings when seeking funding opportunities and investigating potential temporary facilities before permanent construction begins.
Site clearance will commence shortly to ensure immediate safety, followed by construction starting on the new leisure centre and GP surgery at Bransbury Park in early 2026, located approximately half a mile from the Eastney location.
