Source: City of Portsmouth
A watersports centre would create a hub for sports like kiteboarding, kitesurfing, rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It could include changing facilities, lockers, and showers. Anything built would need to blend in and help enhance the unique surrounding environment.
This ambition was set out in the Seafront Masterplan in 2013 and 2021. The eastern part of the seafront has since become a hotspot for kiteboarding and kitesurfing over the past decade, leading to the city hosting the Formula Kite European Championships in 2023.
The consultation seeks to discover what sports the public would like to see catered for at the site, along with what else the Council should try to incorporate. For example, would they like to see a café, a restaurant, creative studios, or even retail space for relevant businesses?
The importance of the unique natural environment is explored, with opinions sought on improving the ecology in the area, and what green features should be incorporated into any new building.
Residents will be asked about their attitudes towards historic features on the site. For example, it could enable access to the listed World War II pillbox currently hidden on the site and sensitively incorporate the World War II anti-tank defences. There is also an opportunity to provide ideas that would enhance the accessibility of the facility.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “It has been an ambition of the Council to provide a facility like this for many years, so it’s great news that we can start to move forward on this project.
“We have a real opportunity to create something that enhances this very unique environment, so we need to make sure we get this right. This is why we are consulting early, so we can get a clear understanding of what sports should be provided for and what other facilities should be provided in any new centre. “
The forthcoming demolition of Eastney Swimming Pool, closed permanently since 2020, frees up a site that could enable this potential new centre to be built. Brand-new swimming facilities will be available 800 metres away in Bransbury Park, when the new health and wellbeing hub opens in 2027.
This is all part of Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to investment in sport. £20 million has been invested into sports facilities across the city since 2017, with a further £27 million committed in the coming years to help residents live happy and healthy lives.
The survey can be accessed here: https://www.research.net/r/Eastneywatersports_g