Portsmouth City Council has revealed the headline findings from its recent consultation on the future of the Eastney watersports site, showing strong public support to continue developing plans for a new watersports centre and only limited interest in refurbishing the former indoor swimming pool.

Over 1,800 people took part in the consultation, which included an online survey and face-to-face engagement across the city. The results show:

• Widespread interest in using the centre: Nearly two-thirds (64%) said they would be ‘very likely’ to use a new watersports centre, with interest consistent across age groups and locations.
• High demand for watersports: Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking topped the list of preferred activities (62–66%), with interest also shown in open water rowing, kitesurfing, and kiteboarding. There was also interest in providing facilities for wing foiling and windsurfing.
• Environmental and heritage considerations: Most respondents supported sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting, and 70% wanted the site’s listed features to be a focal point of the scheme. 68% of respondents think it is very important to enhance this area of the seafront given the unique protected habitats nearby.
• Strong support for new facilities: Respondents prioritised changing rooms, storage lockers, indoor showers, and accessible amenities. A café and new public toilets were also highly favoured (73–82%).
• Accessibility matters: Accessible pathways, changing rooms, and trained staff were seen as essential to ensure the centre is inclusive for all.

Importantly, only 5% of respondents expressed a desire to see the former Eastney swimming pool refurbished, reinforcing the council’s decision to explore new uses for the site and build a modern facility in nearby Bransbury Park. The results are available for everyone to view on the council’s website.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation. The feedback clearly shows a strong appetite for a modern, inclusive watersports centre that meets the needs of our community today and into the future.

“With investment in a new leisure centre at Bransbury Park, renovation work at Mountbatten Centre, and the announcement of ambitious new operators of Hilsea Lido, we are demonstrating that we are serious about sport in the city.”

The council will now use the findings to inform where it can apply for funding to help bring the plans forward, and explore the possibility of a ‘pop-up’ offer on the site before any centre is built.

The site will be cleared in the coming weeks to make it safe in the short term. This will be followed by the start of construction of a new leisure centre and GP surgery in nearby Bransbury Park in early 2026, which is around half a mile away from the Eastney site.