Watch: Clarence Esplanade closures in place for next crucial phase of sea defences

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Fencing has now appeared along Clarence Esplanade as the area closes for 18 months for the next crucial phase of the Southsea sea defence works.

The section between the hovercraft and Blue Reef has officially closed from today (Monday, October 21) with fencing appearing at either end of the road, as well as along the edge of the temporary footpath across Southsea Common.

Clarence Esplanade closed for next phase of the sea defencesClarence Esplanade closed for next phase of the sea defences
Clarence Esplanade closed for next phase of the sea defences | The News
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As previously reported by The News the area will be closed until Summer 2026 to allow for the works for the next phase of the sea defences which is known as Frontage 3.

As well carrying out the work to position the boulders and other materials to create the defences in the sea, parking spaces immediately next to the Portsmouth Naval Memorial will be removed to widen the promenade to create a better pedestrian route to the sea from Southsea Common.

Clarence Esplanade closed for next phase of the sea defences with fencing also along the side of the new temporary footpath on Southsea CommonClarence Esplanade closed for next phase of the sea defences with fencing also along the side of the new temporary footpath on Southsea Common
Clarence Esplanade closed for next phase of the sea defences with fencing also along the side of the new temporary footpath on Southsea Common | IslandCity.UK

Clarence Esplanade will also be narrowed and become westbound-only, except for a segregated cycleway which can be used to travel in either direction and will mostly be separated from the road by parking spaces.

The monuments on the Esplanade will also be repositioned and new seating in place with the whole area matching the phase which opened this summer between the Pyramids the Blue Reef.

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Southsea Esplanade to close until summer 2026Southsea Esplanade to close until summer 2026
Southsea Esplanade to close until summer 2026 | Southsea Coastal Scheme

Watch the video embedded in this story to see the latest from the area.

During the works Clarence Esplanade will be closed to all traffic both ways between the hovercraft and Blue Reef area with a diversion in place through Clarence Parade, Duisburg Way and Pier Road. A new temporary footpath will also be created along Southsea Common during the works. Southsea Beachclub, which sits on Clarence Esplanade, will be shutting its doors as it cannot operate while the work is being carried out.

The sea defences is the UK’s biggest authority-led coastal defence project which is costing upwards of £180million. The project has been divided into phases with phase one starting back in September 2020.

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