The Tipner Lake phase of works covered 1.85 km of coastline from the Mountbatten Centre to the Portsbridge roundabout and took three years to complete. The area’s environmental designations include SPA, RAMSAR, Important Bird Area, SSSI, Designated Shellfish Waters and Bass Nursery Area.

A new, 4m high, reinforced concrete seawall comprising large areas of encasement and sheet pile installation has been built along the entire frontage of Tipner Lake to provide continuous defence and protection against a 1 in 500-year coastal flood event.

A shared footpath and cycleway has been constructed directly behind the seawall, with additional works including new landscaping, planting and the creation of ‘social spots’ to provide places for people to stop, relax and enjoy the views. A shared use coastal path has been retained and a new network of paths has improved access.

Another element of the works was the removal of the 250m Lower Wade Way slipway and causeway and the construction of a new, shorter slipway.

An ornithological watching brief remained in place while we undertook non-piling and site preparation works over the 2017/18 winter period. This was agreed with Natural England to ensure that there is no significant disturbance to the waders and Brent Geese that feed on the intertidal area adjacent to the seawall.

The third year of the scheme got underway in Spring 2019 with final works to the sea wall and revetment and all landscaping and planting being completed.

As part of our community engagement activity on this project we worked with the adjacent Hilsea Lido to bring a bespoke mural by local artist ‘My Dog Sighs’ to life.