VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster has been appointed as the main contractor for delivering new sea defences in Southsea worth £100 million.

The companies have a proven track record of collaborating in joint ventures, having previously joined forces for the likes of the £115 million Dover Western Docks Revival scheme and several flood and coastal erosion risk management programmes.

VolkerStevin has extensive experience working with a number of local authorities to deliver successful flood defence schemes.

Boskalis Westminster has also worked across the country, delivering marine infrastructure and coastal schemes and is one of the UK’s most experienced dredging and marine contracting companies.

Rob Coupe, Managing Director at VolkerStevin, said:

"We are delighted to be joining the team delivering this project. We have been impressed with the quality of work put into the Scheme already and are looking forward to getting on site and delivering new defences for Southsea."

VSBW will now join the project team, providing assistance to the council and newly-appointed design consultant, Royal HaskoningDHV, with input into the detailed engineering design, pre-construction site surveys and enabling works ahead of construction on the first phase which will begin in early 2020 should planning and funding approvals be gained.

Cllr Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for environment and climate change at Portsmouth City Council commented:

"This intensive procurement process has allowed us to identify a very capable, proven contractor who will now be at the helm of delivering this very important piece of work for Portsmouth. The integrated project team will continue to engage with the public throughout what will be an exciting project."

The Scheme is currently seeking planning permission and should this and funding approval be given, work will begin on the first section of defences in spring 2020.