Knights Brown has been chosen to undertake the £22.3M final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme, a critical infrastructure project.
- The project aims to safeguard over 4,000 homes and 500 businesses with new 1.9km flood defences.
- Previous phases saw Knights Brown construct significant portions of the project, affirming their expertise in coastal defence.
- The works will integrate environmental considerations, including ecological enhancements and collaboration with Historic England.
- Completion is expected by August 2026 with funding from the Environment Agency.
Knights Brown has been appointed by Portsmouth City Council to execute the concluding £22.3 million phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme. The project represents the final segment of an £86 million initiative designed to fortify coastal defences and shield more than 4,000 homes and nearly 500 businesses in Portsmouth from flood threats. Commencing this month, the project marks Knights Brown’s continuing involvement, following their work on the second and third phases of the scheme.
Encompassing 8.4 kilometres of coastline stretching from Tipner to Milton, the North Portsea Coastal Scheme is a comprehensive undertaking. Most of the defences in the low-lying areas are nearing the end of their viable lifespan, necessitating urgent renewal. The final phase will focus on Ports Creek in North Portsea, involving the construction of a 1.9km section of flood defences. The work will involve creating an earth embankment with a rock revetment toe, removing and repurposing obsolete structures to limit encroachment on the foreshore.
The multi-faceted approach also includes additional activities such as piling around outfalls, constructing paths, performing concrete works on existing structures, and adapting to limitations imposed by proximity to Network Rail assets. Specifically, this phase extends from the eastern edge of the Portsbridge Roundabout to the Network Rail bridge, featuring a sloping revetment and a raised earth embankment along much of the frontage.
While the project’s engineering tasks are vast, Knights Brown is committed to maintaining the natural charm of the area. Measures to plant trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, along with path upgrades, are planned to enhance public access to the waterfront. The North Portsea shoreline hosts several ecologically sensitive zones, thus environmental safeguards, including bird nest boxes and bat roosting sites, will be installed to support local wildlife.
The historical significance of the area is not overlooked, with works being carried out alongside an on-site archaeologist and in coordination with Historic England. The vicinity of Hilsea Lines, a bastioned fortification from the 18th and 19th centuries, underscores the cultural importance of the site, ensuring that the construction respects these ancient monuments. Funding is provided by the Environment Agency, while Coastal Partners oversee the initiative on behalf of the city council.
The final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme signifies a pivotal step towards comprehensive coastal protection for Portsmouth.
