Posted on September 2, 2020
Portsmouth’s Southsea Coastal Scheme in the UK is finally set to get underway on 7 September with the construction of coastal defences beginning between Long Curtain Moat and Clarence Pier.
The first of six phases in the Portsmouth City Council-led project comes after more than seven years of planning and public consultation. Works will include the demolition of the existing seawall and the construction of a compound area.
Councillor Hugh Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and City Development, said: “History shows that Southsea has suffered from extreme weather, causing seafront damage and flooding in the past. As our flood defences are ageing, this project is essential if people are to be kept safe.”
The Scheme’s contractor is VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster.
Neil Dorling, VSBW Project Manager, said: “We are very pleased to be starting work on the coastal defence scheme in Southsea. VSBW will begin the first phase of work between Long Curtain Moat and Clarence Pier in the coming weeks, whilst we finalise plans. We are keen to make a start on this project that will both enhance and protect the area and the community.”
The Southsea Coastal Scheme was given the green light in early 2020 after being awarded nearly £100m of government funding to the project.
In its entirety, the scheme will directly protect more than 4,000 residential and 700 non-residential properties in Southsea from the risk of coastal flooding.
By Jake Frith
Source: maritimejournal
