Plans to enhance Southsea seafront with art installations and benches to press ahead

Portsmouth City Council has allocated £200,000 for seafront enhancements as part of its 2021/22 budget, which will complement the new sea defence project from Old Portsmouth to Eastney that is currently underway.

It is hoped the cash will also make the three-mile stretch of seafront more user-friendly with additions such as seating, low-level lighting and trees.

Councillor Steve Pitt, the council's deputy leader, said: 'Southsea’s new sea defences will stretch from Old Portsmouth to Eastney and will be a catalyst for enhanced areas.

'This latest funding matches last year's budget allocation and is part of our plans to gradually build up a very significant fund for enhancements across the whole of the Southsea Coastal Scheme.

'We'll be working with local and international artists with plans for the new sea defences to deliver consistent enhancements along the whole seafront that are acceptable to everyone, giving a real Portsmouth identity.

'This could include enhancements such as low-level lighting where there has previously been no lighting at all, to new interpretation boards that showcase the historic importance of the area.

'Accessibility will also be a key concern and we want to enhance the connections to the wider seafront for the benefit of the community as a whole.'

The Southsea Coastal Scheme is expected to cost more than £100m and will protect the south of the city from rising sea levels.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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