Repairs and maintenance at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a Southampton landmark and tourist attraction, will include better security at its upper deck, the House of Assembly was told.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, gave details in response to queries from Dwayne Robinson, the MP for Southampton East Central (Constituency 30), which includes Gibbs Hill.

Mr Robinson acknowledged that there were “a lot of moving pieces happening” but added: “As the MP of the area, I will be asked.”

Mr Adams said maintenance works on the lighthouse beacon continued. The roof is to be replaced during painting work, with a request for proposal for the job “just closed”.

“Additional work to replace the railing with stronger, more durable fixtures will also take place at that time,” he said.

Mr Robinson asked if the maintenance would come with “increased security for the upper parts of the lighthouse” after “we had some unfortunate events transpire up there”.

A 36-year-old man died at Gibbs Hill in January 2025, and the structure was the scene of another sudden death in December 2015, when a 72-year-old man fell over the top railing.

Mr Adams confirmed that safety measures would be added, but did not specify further. He said work at the historic structure, which dates back to 1844, would have to be co-ordinated because of the scaffolding required.

He confirmed that a tenant remains in place for the restaurant at Gibbs Hill, which will reopen once maintenance is completed on its fire alarm system.

Mr Robinson asked for a tentative timeline for the work.

Mr Adams said he could not give specific dates, but added: “It would be reasonable to assume that the works at the very beginning will start this summer.”