Southsea Seafront Strategy 2010–2026 Contents

southsea seafront strategy 2010–2026 Contents Preface Executive summary Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Context Chapter 3 Rationale for change Chapter 4 Ambition and vision Chapter 5 The strategy Section 1 - Improvements along the seafront Section 2 - Area specific design and interventions Section 3 - Marketing events and cultural programme Section 4 - Management and attracting sustainable investment Chapter 6 Action plan Appendices Appendix 1 Local policy context Appendix 2 References Preface The Southsea seafront strategy is the product of work, which will change as new scenarios and extensive consultation and engagement with local opportunities arise. It aims to meet the needs of the residents, tourists and visitors from home and wide range of interested parties and we feel it abroad, government departments and statutory reflects the views that we have heard to-date. agencies, community groups and local institutions, The character of the seafront guides the strategy, traders and businesses, and individuals young and rather than the other way around – the strategy is old. therefore flexible and will evolve in the same way as If you have contributed to the many events that have the seafront has for all this time. helped to shape this document you may find your We will use this strategy to realise our ambitions for ideas and words in the pages that follow. For the the city, manage our services more efficiently, time and energy that you have given, I thank you. encourage private investment and attract external Southsea seafront is an emotive place and subject funding. I therefore commend this document to you. and local people have very firm views of what they Councillor Mike Hancock CBE MP want; some advocate more ‘things to do and places Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration to go’ while others wish to limit the amount of and Economic Development activities. Our role at the city council, as elected representatives of the people of Portsmouth, is to balance these views. We wish to preserve the natural beauty of the seafront, protect the city from the effects of climate change and accommodate the wishes of our local residents - while at the same time ensuring we have an attractive retail, leisure and tourism offer. To achieve this we will have many decisions to make. In order to inform and structure the decision-making process we have produced this seafront strategy. It is a living document, as opposed to a static piece of Executive Summary The purpose of the seafront strategy is very simple – it reflects what local residents and businesses have told us they want: Southsea seafront should be a vibrant space, a place to experience the natural unspoilt environment, take-in the fascinating nautical views across the Solent, and enjoy quality leisure facilities, events and activities all the year round. This document sets out a plan to try to achieve this. Local people love the seafront. Most are proud of it and wish to see it maintained to a high standard. There has already been substantial investment by the city council but more is needed from a mix of public agencies and private businesses. In order to attract the investment to provide all year round facilities the council needs to demonstrate that there is the commercial demand to sustain it. We cannot rely purely on local spend. We need to attract visitors from outside the immediate area throughout the year. Image © Ben Parry Within this strategy we tackle some of the difficult The historic dockyard, the Mary Rose Museum, The Although there is a detailed and comprehensive questions that this approach brings. How can we Hard, Spinnaker Tower, Gun Wharf Quays, Camber action plan within the strategy the following attract more quality facilities to the seafront and Dock, Old Portsmouth, Southsea Castle, the two summarises the key priorities: ensure that they will be able to operate commercially theatres, Southsea shopping centre and the seafront 1. Improve the connectivity between the historic all year round? What type of attractions and facilities together can make up a unique package. It is the dockyard and Southsea Castle and between the will attract local people and visitors all year round strength of this package which can transform castle (and seafront) and Southsea shopping and encourage them to return? How can we Portsmouth and Southsea from being a centre maintain the quality of the environment and predominantly seasonal day trip destination into a preserve the rich and varied natural characteristics if year round week end city break destination. If we 2. Sympathetically enhance the castle and its setting we do have more activities? How can we connect strive to achieve this we will have many more to reflect its importance and enable it to become the seafront with the other major attractions in opportunities to attract the investment needed to a year round facility and attraction Southsea and Portsmouth? ensure the type of quality seafront facilities that our 3. Increase the events programme and develop joint residents and businesses want . 2012 will see the opening of the Mary Rose Museum marketing campaigns, ticketing and retailing for in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as a world-class Our vision therefore is ‘Portsmouth and of the whole package of attractions in order to attraction. We expect an even greater number of Southsea become a European city break increase day visitor spend and attract more international visitors to see Henry VIII’s flagship and destination with world-class attractions’. staying visitors we need to ensure they also visit his castle at It will be known for its heritage and cultural 4. Attract the investment required Southsea. experiences which will cater for historic and The following pages set out the plans in detail... There will also be increased numbers of visitors from environmental interests, include shopping, restaurant all parts of the UK. The majority will be day visitors and leisure activities, that are family orientated and Councillor Lee Hunt who could visit the new Mary Rose Museum and fun for all ages, a place to visit all year round. Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure historic dockyard and then leave the area unless we Southsea Castle is key to the success of this strategy. can encourage them to stay and enjoy other It has a unique link with The Mary Rose Museum attractions that Portsmouth and Southsea have to and has the potential to become a substantial offer. attraction in its own right, drawing more visitors to the seafront. Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Current situation and achievements to date Over recent years there have been significant improvements to the seafront, both physical improvements and an increase in cultural and leisure activities. The D-Day Museum roof works have been completed as have the Cumberland House roof repairs. The seafront road has been resurfaced, and railings have been replaced at Southsea Castle. There are now Saturday and Sunday bandstand concerts, a Ghost ship event has been staged, flagpoles raised at the Point, and designated barbecue areas and more bins installed on the common. The council has renovated Artist’s impression of proposed splash pool at Southsea seafront the shelters on the Promenade and removed one dilapidated shelter, undertaken work on the Trafalgar the tennis courts and will be opening a fantastic therefore the need to have a longer term strategy in Monument railings and bandstand, provided new ‘play pathfinder’ splash pad at Canoe Lake in April place to attract potential investment and ensure that concessions, developed the Great South Run and 2010. The possibility of establishing a social enterprise we protect the natural beauty of the seafront. introduced outdoor fitness equipment and beach café at Southsea Castle is also being explored. volleyball courts. At Eastney Beach interpretation 1.2 Purpose of the seafront strategy In addition there are ambitious proposals for artistic boards have been installed that recognise the nature Southsea seafront is a fantastic leisure and recreational and cultural events at the Hot Walls and conservation importance of this rare coastal habitat. space – a place of natural beauty for residents and consideration is being given to a new annual visitors alike to enjoy. An intrinsic part of Portsmouth’s This year will see phase one of the creation of a cycle carnival. At the same time Pyramids leisure centre is identity, it has helped to shape and influence the route from Eastney to Southsea Pier and we will being transferred to a private enterprise to ensure its economic development of the city over many centuries. soon be consulting on the west-bound phase two. development and longevity. Importantly a seafront The aim is to have a cycle way and a walkway from manager has been appointed to coordinate many of The seafront provides a diverse natural habitat for flora east to west where cyclists and pedestrians can these activities and drive through improvements. and fauna. It boasts sites of nature conservation interest, travel in safety away from motorists. historic architecture of world class significance, as well Although these are significant achievements there as space to walk, cycle, bathe, relax, and have fun. The council is also creating a new splash pool near are greater ambitions for our city and seafront and Effectively managing the often potentially competing demands and aspirations of everyone who loves it requires great care and foresight. It is too precious to be left to chance, too important to the city to be allowed to go into decline. Any changes will need to be carefully planned and managed. The strategy consolidates previous work and builds on the research, consultation and engagement of thousands of people who have taken time to give their views on what they want for their seafront.

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