It’s Nice to be Beside the Seaside! Woodscape’s Contribution to the Southsea Coastal Scheme
Project: Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme, Portsmouth
Products: Bespoke double sided seating with backrests and armrests, straight and curved timber-slatted wall-top seats, timber-framed swing seating, fixed and removable bollards
Architect: LDA Design
Contractor: VolkerStevin
Client: Portsmouth City Council, Environment Agency, Coastal Partners
The Southsea Coastal Scheme, valued at over £180 million, is the UK’s largest local authority-led coastal defence project. Spanning 4.5 kilometres from Old Portsmouth to Eastney, it aims to protect over 10,000 homes, 700 businesses, numerous historical structures, and key access routes from flooding. This extensive effort, started in September 2020, seeks to replace aging defences and enhance the seafront for future generations, blending community protection with the preservation of the area’s unique heritage.
Renowned for our expertise in crafting bespoke street furniture, Woodscape joined the project early, during stages two and three, invited by landscape architects LDA Design, who recognised our capacity to deliver on the demanding designs required for the scheme. The collaboration aimed to develop seating for the promenade that would capture the nautical essence of the ferryboats navigating Portsmouth Harbour, marrying form and function with local aesthetic themes.
Material selection was critical due to the harsh weather conditions found in coastal environments. We worked closely with the Environment Agency to select Kebony®, a thermally treated softwood, which we had used on a previous project. Kebony® was favoured for its impressive durability and sustainability, aligning perfectly with the project’s long-term environmental and practical goals.
Our contributions included an array of custom street furniture designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal along the Southsea seafront. The seating solutions provided were bespoke and innovative designs, including double-sided seating with granite bases, equipped with backrests and armrests to ensure comfort and longevity. In addition, straight and curved timber-slatted wall-top seats were also created, tailored to offer comfortable resting spots for visitors while withstanding the rigors of the coastal environment.
A standout feature of Woodscape’s contribution was the creation of timber-framed swing seating. This design added a nostalgic and playful element to the promenade, inviting visitors to enjoy a unique and engaging seating experience. The swings, besides being a hit for their recreational appeal, reinforced the promenade’s blend of traditional and contemporary design elements, enhancing the area’s allure.
This phase of the project also saw the inclusion of fixed and removable hardwood bollards to provide enhanced area security by controlling access whilst maintaining a consistent aesthetic style, harmonising with the overall design of the seafront. The bollards, like the seating, were designed with durability and style in mind, ensuring that they complement the rest of the project’s elements while offering practical benefits.
Woodscape’s role in the Southsea Coastal Scheme highlights their expertise in delivering bespoke, high-quality street furniture. Our ability to navigate material constraints, ensure structural stability, and coordinate on a large scale has been crucial in transforming Southsea’s seafront into a resilient, vibrant space that respects its historical context. It also demonstrates our commitment to sustainable, aesthetically pleasing designs that enhance public spaces while meeting rigorous project demands. It doesn’t end there either, as the Southsea Costal Scheme development continues, you’ll see more bespoke street furniture from Woodscape being installed along this beautiful seafront.
Contact Woodscape about your bespoke street furniture requirements on 01254 685185 or email sales@woodscape.co.uk