Southsea’s beach between the Pyramids and Coffee Cup café in Eastney will double in size when over one million tonnes of shingle is imported between October 2025 and March 2026.
The coastal stretch will undergo major reconstruction this winter as shingle is dredged from the Solent near the Isle of Wight and transported via pipeline from a dredger vessel.
The substantial expansion will see the beach grow to twice its current size through locally sourced materials deposited directly onto the shoreline. Earlier this year, comparable work took place on a reduced scale along the beach fronting Southsea Common.
Marc Bryan, Southsea Coastal Scheme Project Executive, explained: “We’ve opted to construct a more substantial shingle beach in this location because these are excellent at absorbing wave energy, which helps minimise erosion and safeguards properties and businesses from coastal flooding.
“The expanded beach will respond to rising sea levels and our evolving climate whilst maintaining the necessary protection standards.
“It will require minimal maintenance and can be replenished when required in future years.”
Preliminary work commences in October 2025 with the construction of a new outfall extension from Canoe Lake.
Starting November 2025, a one-metre diameter pipeline will be positioned across the beach west of South Parade Pier to deliver the fresh shingle.
Throughout the shingle delivery process, beach access will be restricted for safety purposes, though some stepped access across the pipeline will be provided.
This beach section will be closed to visitors during construction and will reopen progressively as work concludes, beginning at the Coffee Cup and moving westward.
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The promenade and nearby seafront establishments will continue operating normally, though localised road closures at The Dell will occur throughout the project duration.
Following completion of the beach importation work in March 2026, primary construction of new coastal defences in this area will commence.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt stated: “The expanded beach represents a more intelligent coastal management strategy that collaborates with nature rather than opposing it, and will respond to rising seas and our changing climate.
“Furthermore, it will create additional space for recreation, tourism and local enterprises.
“This forward-thinking approach once again shows that the Southsea Coastal Scheme exceeds being merely a sea defence initiative; it’s a commitment to safeguard our coastline, improve our city and create a superior future for everyone.”
The latest Portsmouth City Council planning application amendment 24/00987/VOC contains further details.
