Southampton City Council has given final approval to a major project to repair and strengthen the coastal revetment at Mayflower Park.
The revetment protects the waterfront at the park from erosion and damage caused by tides and port activity. At over 100 years old, it has reached a condition where significant repair work is required to safeguard the park for residents, visitors and big events for the future. At the same time, this major project will also reduce the need for ongoing temporary repairs that have been used to manage the revetmentβs condition to date.
The project will include the installation of sheet piling and new concrete revetment panels designed to protect the shoreline for decades to come. In addition, rock pools to be crafted by students from Southampton schools are to be fitted to the revetment to increase marine biodiversity and support wildlife in the river.
The Cabinet has given approval for an additional Β£3m budget over the next 18 months to deliver the repairs. This has been necessary to accommodate inflation, a shorter window for piling to address ecological constraints, and the worsening condition of the revetment which has been more significant than originally predicted.
Further intrusive site survey works will start from early October 2026, with individual survey locations closed off while the surveys are undertaken. The main repair programme will start in early November and will mean closing the park to visitors from the left turn after the main entrance, following the line of this road as it curves to the waterfront parking, along the waterfront parking and along the western side of the park from the road and trees. As a result, it will not be possible to park along the waterfront for the duration of the works or use the multi-use games area as these facilities will be within the works area. Key stakeholders including ABP and Red Funnel have been updated on the works and restrictions within the river.
The central grass area as well as the road and parking, kiosk and play area on the north side of the park will all remain open.
The council is working closely with contractors to minimise disruption wherever possible, both to visitors and ecologically, and would like to thank local people and visitors for their patience and understanding while these works take place.
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
Mayflower Park is one of Southamptonβs most important public spaces, attracting residents and visitors throughout the year and hosting some of the cityβs biggest events. These essential works will secure the future of the waterfront here for many years to come, helping to keep the park safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Investing in this vital infrastructure supports our goals of a greener and growing Southampton. Once complete, the repaired revetment will continue to protect the park from coastal erosion, while reducing ongoing maintenance costs and ensuring local people and visitors can continue to come together, unwind and enjoy this much-loved part of the city.
