A major scheme of sea defence works has been unveiled for Portsmouth’s South Parade Pier, with the planning application also promising to “enhance the location as a seafront destination”.

The project includes raising and resurfacing the promenade beside the pier, resurfacing under the pier canopy, constructing new vertical flood walls and widening the beach. At the pier itself, new seating and baffle walls will be installed to link with the existing structure. No changes are planned to the pier, and its ramps and steps will remain in place. The promenade will be lifted to five metres above sea level, except beneath the canopy, where current levels will be retained.

The application states the widened beach will “enhance this location as a seafront destination” while improving flood protection for the Rock Gardens, which have been vulnerable in the past. Additional flood gates and boards will be fitted at nearby access points.

Four historic shelters – three of them listed – will be carefully dismantled, repaired and rebuilt, with the fourth relocated along the seafront. Listed ornamental lamps will also be preserved.

The works form part of the £185m Southsea Coastal Scheme, the UK’s largest local authority-led project, designed to protect more than 10,000 homes and 700 businesses.