Portsmouth's sea defence team up for award for protection of historic monument

The team behind the Southsea Coastal Scheme has received recognition for its work at Long Curtain Moat, in Southsea, where conservation work and repairs were carried out last year as part of wider sea defence works.

As part of the conservation programme the inner moat walls were cleaned, damaged brickwork and masonry was removed and replaced, and eel-grass in the moat was protected.

Now the project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2021 Construction Excellence SECBE Awards.

Coastal environmental engineer Rachel Cook, said: 'The Long Curtain Moat project was fundamental to preserving Portsmouth's nationally significant heritage, and crucial to maintaining coastal defences.

'Throughout the project we've enhanced the appearance of Long Curtain Moat using sympathetic methods such as steam cleaning with excellent results. This has received extremely positive feedback from the public and really enhances the experience of people visiting the area.'

According to the city council, work was carried out using hand tools 'where possible' to ensure the necessary protection of the heritage asset, and Historic England was consulted throughout the process.

The Long Curtain wall was built in the 16th century as part of the city's military defences.

Overall the Southsea Coastal Scheme is set to cost more than £100m and will stretch from Old Portsmouth to Eastney to protect the city from rising sea levels - replacing failing defences that already exist.

It is expected the project will be completed by 2026.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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