Ground Investigation at Broadmarsh

Havant Borough Council (HBC) is preparing a detailed design to replace the ageing coastal defence structures at Broadmarsh Coastal Park. These defences help protect the former landfill site and reduce the risk of material being eroded and washed into the harbour.

To support this work, HBC carried out ground investigations along the foreshore to collect geotechnical information for the new design. This will help prepare the project for construction if funding becomes available. At present, there is no central government funding specifically available to protect coastal landfill sites, so the responsibility sits with the council as landowner.

Completing the detailed design will move the project forward and help ensure HBC is ready to apply for any future funding opportunities.

The ground investigations included drilling boreholes using rotary and cable percussion rigs, digging trial pits, and inspecting the existing coastal structures. The contractor is continuing to monitor groundwater wells to support water quality analysis.

During the works, the public footpath between Chalkdock Car Park and Harts Farm Way Bridge was temporarily closed. This section of the footpath was reopened on 22/06/2026.

An area west of Chalkdock Car Park remains closed by National Highways while it carries out their works along the seaward side of the A27.

Once the ground investigation results are received from the contractor, the detailed design will be finalised before the project moves into the licence and consent stage.