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Work is progressing well on site, with the team doing their best to keep disruption to a minimum. During this dry weather, dust can be an issue, but the contractors are managing it by damping down the site throughout the day. A road sweeper is also in operation twice a week to help keep the surrounding area clean and tidy.
If you've been past the site, you'll notice a gap in the fence (hoardings), but this will be filled next week. This section was left for the foul water connection, linking the site’s drainage into the main sewer. This will carry wastewater from the building away safely.
Image credit: My Portsmouth By Drone
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Sheet piling is currently being installed. These sheet piles (the big metal sections) are pushed deep into the ground and interlock with each other to form a barrier that keeps groundwater out while construction takes place. Given how close we are to the sea, the water table is high, so this is an essential step. Once these are in place, the piles that will support the structure can be installed.
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Here are some of the sheet piles in place, showing how they interlock to form a continuous wall. Once installed they create a solid enclosure known as a cofferdam, allowing excavation to take place safely and in controlled conditions despite the high groundwater levels.
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If you've walked near the site you may have seen these. They are not beehives! They are actually floating foundations for the contractors temporary office. At the moment there is a big team squeezed into a tiny shipping container, which is not ideal. So they'll soon be getting a bigger space to make them more comfortable while they work.
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Digging around the site has unearthed some goodies. Check out this selection of glass bottles! One of the more interesting finds is marked Brickwood & Co, Portsmouth. After some investigation this was a local brewery that dates back to the 19th century - we can't be sure how long this has been in the ground but it's still pretty cool!
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The park is progressing well and we’re now moving into the final stages. New grass areas will be laid from next week, and it’s important these are given time to properly establish so they stay safe and in good condition. Opening too early could damage them and lead to further closures.
We’re also waiting for the final play feature, a train carriage, to be delivered and installed before the surfacing in that area can be completed.
Taking this into account, we’re aiming to open the park ahead of the summer holidays so families can enjoy it over the break. Thanks for your patience while we finish these last details.
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Live at the Bandstand is back, bringing a vibrant programme of free live music to the city. The much‑loved summer series will showcase a wide mix of musical styles and this year forms part of Portsmouth100, celebrating 100 years of Portsmouth’s city status.
The 2026 programme will include 11 traditional 'Live at the Bandstand' events and seven 'Saturday Stage' events where the stage, will be supplied to community groups and grassroots promoters to give them a 'springboard' for their own events.
All events are free and subject to weather conditions, for the latest updates, line‑ups and any changes, follow the Live at the Bandstand Facebook page.
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