Work to repair the pontoon in Riverside Park – closed to the public since early 2023 - is finally expected to begin on Monday (April 14).
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The pontoon is expected to be craned out of the river and stored in the park while it is inspected.
While the full extent of repairs remains unclear, it’s thought that a new bridge linking the shore to the pontoon will definitely be required.
Making the pontoon more user-friendly for water activities, such as for the launching and possible mooring of boats, has also been mooted.
Work is expected to take around six weeks. During the period it’s understood the path for cyclists and pedestrians will be diverted from the riverside around the model railway.
While it’s understood budget was allocated for the project in 2023, part of the approximately 27-month delay in getting the structure fixed has been put down to the risks and logistics of the work – for example craning the structure in and out of the water and fencing off the pontoon in the park for several weeks.
Amanda Barnes-Andrews, one of three Bitterne Park ward councillors, said: "We are delighted to see that work on the pontoon in Riverside Park will be undertaken this week. Bitterne Park Labour Councillors have been lobbying for this for some time."
