North Portsea Island Phase 4b Update August 2022

We are nearing the end of our construction year, as we pause all work close to the sea from October to protect overwintering birds. Progressing as planned, work on the new sea wall has now moved on even further, just south of the Harvester.

Aerial showing progress of the wall and the silt curtain used to avoid any contamination of the water Aerial showing progress of the wall and the silt curtain used to avoid any contamination of the water
Aerial showing progress of the wall and the silt curtain used to avoid any contamination of the water

Alongside the concrete pours for our wall we are now working on 2 sets of stairs for emergency exit from the water as well as some final drainage work along the Harbourside Holiday Park. We are using "hydro demolition" in some areas, where concrete is broken with a very strong water jet. This will cause some noise, but we will ensure to keep disruption to a minimum.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

In August, work on our first social spot started and to use efficiencies and avoid waste, we worked together with colleagues from the Southsea Coastal Scheme and used reclaimed paving slabs taken from the frontage at Long Curtain Moat.

The new seating and rest area is located between the Tudor Sailing Club and the Andrew Simpson Watersport Centre and benefits from glass flood wall and, once finished, will invite anyone passing by to take a break and enjoy the view over Langstone Harbour.

The slabs are carefully placed and the image shows the design representing a compass.

Social spot slabbing work in progress Social spot slabbing work in progress
Social spot slabbing work in progress

Seal sightings!

Did you know? Langstone Harbour provides one of only two haul out sites for the Solent population of harbour seals. According to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) the Solent population currently numbers approximately 25 individuals.

When not at sea, they are found around sheltered shores where they haul out on sandbanks and beaches. Harbour seal pups are born during the summer and can swim when they are only a few hours old.

For us on site this means that certain ways of working - so called 'hammer piling' where piles are hammered into the ground - was not permitted in June and July, as it is pup season for the seals. This had obviously been included in our plans and all piling was done beforehand. Our guys on site have actually been able to spot seal colonies sunbathing in the distance.

If you come across seals or any wildlife, please remember these tips on treating marine wildlife from the HIWWT website.

The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) ©Michael Meijer The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) ©Michael Meijer
The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) ©Michael Meijer

Presenting our progress…

Guy Mason, Cllr Steve Pitt and Cllr Kimberly Barrett Guy Mason, Cllr Steve Pitt and Cllr Kimberly Barrett
Guy Mason, Cllr Steve Pitt and Cllr Kimberly Barrett

In August we also welcomed Cllr Steve Pitt and Cllr Kimberly Barrett to a site tour at the North Portsea Island Scheme.

We were especially pleased to show the many environmental enhancements including our award winning ecoformliner textured wall. Both were pleased to see the progress made and how the scheme aims to improve the area with wider footpaths, wildflowers and trees and most of all a future proof flood defence.

"Great to accompany PCC Cabinet members Cllr Steve Pitt and Cllr Kimberly Barrett around phase 4b of our North Portsea Flood Defence Scheme. Some really innovative work done here by Coastal Partners to ensure we not only protect residents but also make really positive environmental improvements - well done team."

Guy Mason, project director at Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council