Key Portsmouth partners committed to driving forward plans for new multi-million pound Fratton footbridge

Key partners in Portsmouth will continue to work on proposals for a new pedestrian link from Fratton train station with a focus on the wider benefits it would bring to the city.

The proposed bridge and walkway has been the subject of a detailed feasibility study since 2024, when Portsmouth City Council allocated the land around Fratton Park as a potential “mixed-use development”. The emerging local plan, which outlines the development vision for the city up to 2040, includes the expansion of the stadium to increase the capacity from 21,000 to between 26,000 and 30,000. It also proposes 710 homes, a hotel with 145 rooms and mixed conference and event facilities.

Earlier this week Pompey chairman Michael Eisner described the construction of the bridge as ‘relatively unimportant’ - insisting the current focus was on what happens on the pitch at Fratton Park. ‘We would rather spend on the players than on the bridge,’ he told The News. ‘I don’t understand the obsession with the bridge.’

However, Pompey chief executive Andy Cullen said work on the project being carried out by the feasibility board was drawing to a conclusion. The board - which contains representatives from the club, city council and Redevco, owners of the Pompey Centre retail park - has been working with Network Rail to consider a number of options.

The conclusion of this work will lead on to the next steps of how much a new bridge will cost, how it would be funded and how it would link with a walkway to open up the whole site - not just Fratton Park - for development.

Today council leader Steve Pitt was also keen to stress that the benefits of the bridge was not just related to the development of the football ground. He said: ‘All partners have worked together on the feasibility stage of the proposed bridge. The next step will be to ensure that we understand the wider opportunities for the whole site, including but not just Fratton Park itself, and bring key decision-makers together to ensure there is buy-in at the highest levels."

Tim Forrester is the strategic programme manager for Solent Transport, a partnership between Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight Council. He said that a new link would not only support the planned regeneration and development of the area, but provide a safer, more direct route for fans currently walking along Goldsmith Avenue from the station to the ground. This could also encourage “greater use of rail and other sustainable transport modes, helping to reduce carbon emissions”.

Mr Forrester said the original cost estimate was between £17m and £21m.

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Network Rail has clearly stated funding would not be its responsibility. A spokesman said: “Network Rail is funded by government to operate, maintain and renew the railway. The proposed Fratton station footbridge is not a railway operational requirement and therefore falls outside the remit of that funding.

“As a result, it would not be appropriate for Network Rail to seek government funding for the project. Should local partners wish to pursue central government funding, that would be a matter for them through the appropriate business case and funding route.”

This position was supported by the Department for Transport, which said stakeholders would be “welcome” to pursue central government funding.

Coun Pitt said the financial challenge was not a surprise to anyone, adding there would need to be “blended funding" from the different stakeholders should the scheme progress. He said: “If you’ve got everyone to the table and everyone is prepared to put something in, sometimes national government will agree to match-fund. Until we actually get everyone to agree what they’ll contribute, there’s nothing to go to the government with.”

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan has also been supporting the feasibility work through chairing a forum for interested parties. He said he will continue to take further action which will ‘benefit our community and our football club’s future’.

“Local people and Pompey fans will be just as frustrated as I am about the challenges of existing and ageing infrastructure around Fratton Park’’ he said. “I have always argued that Pompey’s success is our city’s success and that’s why I’ve been taking action on these concerns.’

A city council spokesperson said the benefits of the project were far-reaching. “The local plan identifies the need for better walking and cycling connections in the area. A new off-road route between Fratton Station, Fratton Park and the Pompey Centre would provide a safer and more direct link, helping people move around the area without relying on busy roads and pavements, particularly on match days.

“Improved walking and cycling links would make it easier and safer for residents, visitors, and football supporters to travel around the area. Better connections could also help support future investment, improve access to local businesses and services, and create a more welcoming environment for people travelling to and from Fratton Station, Fratton Park and the Pompey Centre.’