The Southsea Coastal Scheme is the 2025 winner of the Sir John Armitt Award for Infrastructure Leadership at the British Construction & Infrastructure Awards.
Sir John Armitt is a leader in engineering, who has influenced infrastructure planning for the UK. The award – named in his honour – recognises the Scheme’s outstanding delivery, innovation, and collaboration across Frontages 4 (Southsea Castle) and Frontage 5 (Pyramids to Speakers’ Corner). Led by Portsmouth City Council and delivered by Coastal Partners and VSBW, this is the largest local authority-led flood defence scheme in the UK.
Southsea Coastal Scheme Project Director Guy Mason said:
“This award reflects the dedication of every partner, stakeholder and community member involved in shaping a resilient, inclusive and beautiful coastline for future generations.
“This project is so much more than a coastal defence scheme: it has created a “magnetic” destination, blending flood protection, community, environment and heritage. Through strong collaboration, using an integrated delivery model based on trust, the team have helped to protect 10,000 homes and 700 businesses, as well as preserving heritage, enhancing well-being and promoting regeneration.”
Sir John Armitt, Chair of the judging panel for the prize said:
“I am delighted to have been asked to help select the inaugural award in my name and celebrate the very best we can achieve. We design to satisfy a client’s desired outcomes. But at the same time, we need to satisfy wider stakeholders that we have created buildings and infrastructure which benefit the community and create an improved and uplifting environment.
“To achieve this, we must be creative, innovate, and challenge ourselves and our colleagues in a collaborative approach – and this award recognises a project team that exemplifies these very qualities.”
The Southsea Coastal Scheme has transformed Frontages 4 and 5 into a resilient, welcoming stretch of shoreline that blends flood defence with public enjoyment.
Frontage 4, the area surrounding Southsea Castle, was completed between 2022 and 2024. A new rock sea defence now protects the most southernly point of Portsmouth’s coastline, while a wide split-level promenade – locally known as the Theatre of the Sea – offers terraced seating and extensive views across the Solent. Historic finds are blended seamlessly into the promenade.
Just east of the castle, Frontage 5 continues the story. Completed in December 2024, this stretch from the Pyramids to Speakers’ Corner carries forward the upgraded promenade and flood defence line, improving pedestrian access and visual continuity.
Together, these frontages showcase the scheme’s commitment to protecting over 10,000 homes and businesses while revitalising Southsea’s iconic seafront for generations to come.
The Southsea Coastal Scheme continues through to 2028, with further phases underway and a strong commitment to transparency, sustainability and community engagement.