A major milestone in the transformation of Portsmouth’s northern shoreline has been reached on Friday 23 October, as large parts of Ports Creek and Hilsea Lines open for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Over the past 11 years, the North Portsea Coastal Scheme has transformed 8.4km of coastline at Anchorage Park, Milton Common, Tipner, Eastern Road and Hilsea Lines, combining new flood defences with improved habitats, public spaces and walking and cycling routes.

Once finished, the scheme will significantly reduce the risk of coastal flooding for more than 4,200 homes, around 500 businesses and key infrastructure, including Eastern Road, helping to protect this part of Portsmouth for the next 100 years as sea levels rise.

The project has also supported wider investment in North Portsea Island, including improvements to public spaces and visitor destinations and the recently renovated Hilsea Lido.

From today, the majority of the new areas at Hilsea Lines have opened to the public, giving people the chance to enjoy completed sections while work continues elsewhere.

Areas around Peronne Road Bridge will remain closed while SSE installs new electricity cables beneath Ports Creek and the moat. This is essential to secure Portsmouth’s future electricity supply and must be completed before the remaining sea defences can be constructed.

Temporary routes from Peronne Road will provide access to the newly opened areas but may occasionally change or close while work around the bridge is underway.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Opening these areas is an important milestone after more than a decade of work on the North Portsea Coastal Scheme.

“As well as protecting thousands of homes and businesses from coastal flooding, the scheme has created new spaces for people to enjoy the waterfront and Hilsea Lines.

“There is still work to complete around Peronne Road Bridge, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we move towards completing the scheme.”

Mike Crook, Divisional Director at Knights Brown, said: “Reaching this stage at Ports Creek is a significant milestone, not only for the North Portsea Coastal Scheme but for the wider city of Portsmouth. We are proud to have worked alongside Coastal Partners, Portsmouth City Council and the Environment Agency to help deliver infrastructure that will provide long-term protection from coastal flooding while creating new spaces for people to enjoy.

“As the final chapter of this landmark scheme begins, it’s rewarding to see sections of the completed works opening to the public and already delivering benefits for local communities. We would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience and support throughout construction as we continue working towards the full completion of this nationally significant project.”

Contractors will remain on site and some areas will stay fenced off while work continues. The exceptionally hot and dry summer has affected some newly seeded and planted areas, which will continue to develop over the coming months.

People are encouraged to travel sustainably by walking, cycling, using Voi rental e-scooters and e-bikes, or by public transport. Frequent bus services also serve the area.

The North Portsea Coastal Scheme is funded by the Environment Agency and delivered by Coastal Partners on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, with the latest phase constructed by Knights Brown.

Work will continue around Peronne Road Bridge and on remaining finishing elements, with full completion expected in autumn 2027.

Residents can keep up to date through the North Portsea Coastal Scheme bulletin, website and social media channels.