Southsea Coastal Scheme have begun works to add around one million tonnes of shingle to the beach between the Pyramids and the Coffee Cup café in Eastney which will double its width . 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.
The extra shingle will form part of the new sea defences in this area. The extra width of the beach will reduce wave energy and prevent overtopping during storms. The beach between the Pyramids and South Parade Pier is now closed, and in mid-November this will be extended in stages up to the Coffee Cup in Eastney.
The promenade and local businesses will remain open during these works.
The shingle comes from licensed dredging zones southeast of the Isle of Wight, selected to avoid sensitive habitats.
Southsea Coastal Scheme Project Executive Marc Bryan said:
“We’ve chosen to build a larger shingle beach in this area because they’re great at absorbing wave energy which in turn helps reduce erosion and protects homes and businesses from coastal flooding.
The new beach will adapt to rising seas and our changing climate while still providing the required standard of protection.
It will be easily maintained and can be topped up if needed in the future.”
Once all the beach import work is complete in March 2026, main construction works for the new defences in this area will begin.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“The new beach is part of a smarter coastal management approach that works with nature, not against it, and will adapt to rising seas and our changing climate.
In addition, it will bring space for recreation, tourism and local businesses.
This innovative approach yet again demonstrates that the Southsea Coastal Scheme is more than just a sea defence project; it’s a promise to protect our coast, enhance our city and build a better future for all.”