Hilsea Lines update - 20 September

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20 September 2024

Strong foundations

diving board

The team have been busy digging trenches next to the pool for the pipework to go into the ground. They've uncovered this chunky concrete block which you can see in the left-hand photo. This will need to be removed so the pipework can be installed, but this is actually part of the foundations for the original diving board, which you can see in all its glory in the right-hand photo.

The lido has a strong history of diving, swimming, water polo and even a home to training troops during World War II. It's seen a huge array of fashion over the years and has so much history. It's going to be really exciting to see what new ideas and activities happen in this cherished community space in the future!


It's all about that base

an empty pool under construction

There is so much going on with the base of this pool, which makes it hard to be able to visualise what it will be like. But, by the end of next week the remainder of the concrete will be poured, bringing the base of the pool up to its final level. All these steel bars will make the pool structure solid as a rock. Once the whole thing is finished, there'll be a whopping 80 tonnes of steel included within the project!


Now you see it, now you don't

backwash tank

You may remember in the last edition we said about the backwash tank - a 10.5m water filter. This huge tank has now been placed in its new home underground, and has been fitted into place. 

The team had to work in stages when it came to installing the tank. They had to fill the inside partly up with water, then concrete on the outside to the same level, then add more water inside, and then more concrete to the same level outside - and continue to work in stages like that. The reason they did this was because they needed weigh down the tank from inside, to stop it floating up in the wet concrete.

The tank will be completely buried soon but it'll be accessible by a manhole cover. 


Bloo Swan Lagoon Crew

mural of two swans on the side of a building

You may have noticed the new artwork installation as part of the LOOKUP Festival. 

This was designed and installed by the 'Bloo Swan Lagoon Crew' - a group of ten, local 12-17 year olds, brought together by Motiv8, under the supervision of artist Donna Poingdestre.

Donna ran a series of workshops, teaching the kids different techniques and they worked hard to design their masterpiece. They were keen that they could all contribute to the final piece so they chose a range of materials and techniques to allow them all to take part regardless of skill level.  

One of the kids had been flagged to the project by the 'exploited children's team', due to their interest in street art. As part of LOOKUP the child was provided with work experience, 1-2-1 sessions with internationally-renowned street artist, Chinny Bond from The London Police, and he helped Donna to run the workshops.

The children are really proud of the piece.  Over the weekend there were around 160 visitors who came to see the piece as part of LOOKUP Portsmouth.


North Portsea Coastal Scheme

north portsea map

Work on the fifth and final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme has started along Ports Creek. The work will include 1.3 km of flood defences with a design consisting of a sloped earth embankment, which provides the required flood defence level, with rock armour towards the creek.

Visitors will still be able to access Foxes Forest on the southern side of the moat.

The Portsbridge carpark near Portsbridge roundabout will be closed for the duration of the work. You can see a map of the closures here.

Find out more


Hardworking volunteers

a railing in a forest that's recently been cleared of debris

We noticed on Facebook that the Palmerston Forts Society and Portsdown Artillery Volunteers have been busy at Hilsea Lines lately!

After an appropriate risk assessment, the team worked hard to:

  • Righted a displaced section of railing and its massive concrete footings
  • Cleared spoil from the stone slabs above the Area Magazine
  • Removed ivy from the walls of that magazine, and from the top of a WW2 concrete slab roof (this may have been either another air raid shelter or a magazine)
  • A heavy cover of brambles was removed from the Expense Magazine above the Pavilion
  • Fixed some damage to some of the perimeter fencing - but this will need more work
  • Measured up to obtain replacement drain covers at the Moncrieff positions

There'll be another work party at Hilsea on Sunday 22 September. If you are interested in joining this hard working and motivated group - then get in touch!

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