Bespoke Seating and Bollards at the Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme

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.

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.

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.