Around a million tonnes of shingle will be added to the beach between the Pyramids and Eastney to help reduce wave energy and protect homes and businesses from storm damage. The project will double the beach’s width, creating stronger natural defences.
According to the City Council, the beach between the Pyramids and South Parade Pier will be closed while the shingle is piped ashore and stockpiled. Closures will later extend in stages towards the Coffee Cup café in Eastney. Heavy machinery will be used throughout the work, though the promenade and local businesses will remain open.
The beach will reopen gradually from mid-December, starting at the Coffee Cup and moving westwards. Limited access west of the pier is expected from January 2026.
The project also includes extending the Canoe Lake outfall pipe by 60 metres out to sea, just east of South Parade Pier. Localised road closures will be in place at The Dell, and some working hours may extend beyond the usual 7am to 7pm due to tidal conditions.
The shingle, sourced from licensed dredging zones southeast of the Isle of Wight, has been selected to avoid sensitive habitats.
Work is scheduled to be completed by March 2026, after which reconstruction of the promenade and old sea defences will begin. Dates remain subject to weather conditions.
Amy Bandrés Arbués, project delivery manager at the Southsea Coastal Scheme said: “This new beach will provide primary flood defence and can be easily maintained. By working through winter and opening the beach in stages, we aim to reduce inconvenience to users. We’re excited to fully reopen the beach before moving on to replace the existing sea defences.”
Man jailed for 15 years after double stabbing near Storrington
Weekend football: Brighton chase third win, local clubs in action across leagues
Selsey Pavilion Trust secures second National Lottery Heritage Fund grant
Fire in a house in Aldwick
Bognor Regis Mayor visits air ambulance base ahead of ‘Restart a Heart Day’
Appeal for witnesses after serious assaults in Worthing
News Havant Neighbourhood Policing Team wins Tilley Awards at National Problem Solving Conference
Culture Spark brings live theatre to communities across Chichester District
Family of Forest Row couple jailed in Iran await verdict within days
Lancing waste fire sparks battery disposal warning
On Air