Martin Silman
Planning permission was granted in December 2024 for Portsmouth City Council's plans for Bransbury Park. The plans include a new leisure centre with a swimming pool, learner pool and gym, built on the old hard courts. This will include a new GP surgery for the Lighthouse Practice, who will move from Devonshire Avenue. There will be a relocated play area with new equipment, and the miniature railway will be kept in the same position. In addition, the old changing pavilion will be replaced with a modern facility, with a new astro-turf pitch and multi-use games area to the north of the new building.
At the time of going to print, Portsmouth City Council are working with the contractors, Willmott Dixon, on the final detailed designs for construction. The project will begin with the construction of the new playground in the south-west of the park this summer, followed by the main building works starting later in the year. Completion is expected in early 2027.
Local residents are encouraged to sign up for the Bransbury Park e-bulletin at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/bransburypark to get the latest information.
The Council will consult with people on the future use of the Eastney Swimming Pool site before any demolition occurs. However, the building is unsafe, at the end of its life, so it will be demolished without unnecessary delay. The consultation will take place in the coming months, and the Council will update the Milton Neighbourhood Forum when dates are confirmed.