Giant crane helps to carry out next phase of sea defence works in Southsea with promenade progress continuing

A huge 100-tonne crane has returned to Southsea to help with the next phase of creating a new-look promenade next to South Parade Pier.

The Southsea Coastal Scheme team has been continuing its work on the area between Speakers’ Corner and the pier where new sea defences are being created connecting to the previously completed sections now stretching all of the way from near the Pyramids to Long Curtain Moat.

Over the next two months the crane, used in a previous phase of the project, will help to install 22 pre-cast units and 11 promenade slabs to finish the new-look promenade.

Watch the video embedded in this story taken by My Portsmouth By Drone to see the work taking place

Also, from November 9 for approximately two weeks, work will take place beneath the pier canopy to resurface the area and extend electrical ducts under the pier. These improvements will help future-proof the electrical services for years to come.

A spokesperson for the Southsea Coastal Scheme said: “All businesses on the pier will remain accessible during their normal working hours throughout the works. During the day, a two-metre-wide pedestrian route will be maintained through the area.

“The steps at the front of the pier will be temporarily closed; however, the crossing point will remain operational, with access to the promenade available via the eastern-side ramp. To minimise disruption and accommodate the pier's opening hours, two late shifts will also take place during this period, with work expected to finish by midnight.”

The promenade between South Parade Pier and Speakers’ Corner is expected to reopen in May 2027.

For more details on the sea defences project visit southseacoastalscheme.org.uk