Portsmouth City Council is advertising for a contractor for a £100m coastal protection scheme.The council, in collaboration with the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership (ESCP), has published a contract notice for a coastal defence contractor to deliver new improved flood defences along 4.5km of seafront, from Old Portsmouth to Eastney.However, Balfour Beatty is already on board – it was awarded a £1m pre-construction services contract in June 2017 and heads the integrated design team – so it seems best placed to win the main works contract. Design consultants are Arup and Ramboll, while Faithful & Gould is cost consultant.The current sea defences at Southsea are reaching the end of their lifespan and need renewing. Portsmouth City Council’s plans aim to improve the seafront and stimulate regeneration as well as protect the community and its heritage.