Hilsea Lines update 12 July

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12 July 2024

Rough around the edges

empty pool

In this photo you can see the site team have been busy taking the edges away from the sides of the pool at the top. This is because they're going to add an extra ledge around the whole pool where you can rest your feet if you're holding on to the edge. 


The water just keeps on coming

empty pool

The pool took two weeks to empty - this is mainly because the team couldn't pump too much water into the main sewer system too quickly. The bottom of the pool was full of silt, which has now been removed and jet washed clean so the team can clearly see what they're doing as they work.

But even though it's empty, every morning when the team comes back in more water has appeared! The water is coming from under the ground, and the extra rain we've had doesn't help either.

To solve the problem of having to continuously pump out water, the team are now introducing five 1M x 1M holes into the base of the existing pool floor, to form what is known as “pressure release wells”. This is to release the pressure that's currently being placed on the sides and bottom of the pool by the ground water.


The plant room

empty room underground

You can see from this photo the plant room is now empty - if you can remember from the previous newsletter, there were two massive cast iron water tanks in this room, full of hardened sand. These are now all gone, along with all the other equipment. 

Many moons ago sea water used to be filtered through the plant room to fill the lido, so there are still pipes leading out to Tipner Lake! These pipes will be sealed, ready for the new plant room floor coming in. 


Lifeguards of the lido

lifeguard

A member of the community spoke to the site manager of the lido recently to tell him he used to be a lifeguard at Hilsea many years ago.

He said on average, between him and the other lifeguards they would rescue between 10 to 15 children per day! It got to the point where the lifeguards used to just stand in the water, because they knew it wouldn't be long until they were springing into action again!

Needless to say, when the project is finished it will be a much safer environment. There will be under water lighting, the deep area of the pool will be made shallower with a much safer entry route, and there'll be a foot rest around the edge. The new operator will also follow all the health and safety precautions required.  


Norway Road bus lane info

norway road bus event

Do you travel on the bus, live, or work close to Norway Road? Or want to know more about proposed bus lane improvements on Norway Road?

Come along to our drop-in event on Wednesday 17 July between 2:30 and 7pm at Portsmouth Rugby Club on Norway Road.

Find out about proposed improvements, which are designed to improve the speed, reliability, and accessibility of local bus travel within the city and have the chance to share your views.

Find out more


North Portsea Coastal Scheme

coastal path portsmouth

If you're interested in finding out more about the North Portsea Coastal Scheme, they are holding a series of events in the north of the city, where you can pop along to meet the team and ask them any questions you may have about the sea defence work. 

They'll share the plans for the upcoming work at Ports Creek, which is the final phase of the scheme. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details of when their events are being held. 

Some of us from the lido will be there as well, so come and have a chat with us too!

The first event is Wednesday 24 July, 10 am - 4pm. The teams will be outside Casemates Café and rehearsal studios, situated in Foxes Forest. 


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