Sadness as Fearless leaves on final journey

Fearless passes the Spinnaker Tower on her last voyage

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/latest/Sadness-as-Fearless-leaves-on.3600570.jp

By Andy Davey

A proud old navy ship that enjoyed a long career was carefully led out of Portsmouth for the final time today.

HMS Fearless, which served in the Royal Navy from 1965 to 2002, was towed out of the Harbour and into the English Channel, bound for Ghent in Belgium, where she will be broken down and recycled.
Poor weather and high winds have repeatedly delayed the final departure of the Falklands veteran, which aside from HMS Victory was the longest-serving ship in the Navy, but she finally began her final journey today.
It was a sad day and hundreds gathered on the Round Tower to pay their respects to the 12-tonne assault ship.
Among the onlookers was Derek 'Smokey' Cole, a stoker on Fearless's sister ship HMS Intrepid. 'It's very sad,' he said. 'I've served on many ships that have been scrapped but I've never taken the time to see them sail out for the last time.
'It's strange but it's probably because it was the longest-serving steam ship to serve in the Royal Navy and it is the end of an era.'
The ship served as headquarters for counter-terrorist operations in Aden in 1967, and in 1968 was the venue for talks between Harold Wilson and Ian Smith over the future of Rhodesia.
Before the Falklands War, Fearless enjoyed a brief movie career when she was cast alongside Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 as the vessel which picks up 007's escape pod.
HMS Fearless, which can carry up to a battalion of troops, also played a critical role in the Falklands War alongside her sister ship HMS Intrepid and took part in the landings at San Carlos, where she landed hundreds of Royal Marines from 40 Commando.
She also played an active role in the first Gulf War in 1990.
The ship has been replaced by HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

Seasonal Celebrations Beaulieu

 

Palace House
15th December 2007 - 1st January 2008 

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all the family.

Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, is a place of enchantment at this special time of year. Children can delve into the Box of Delights and dress up in period costumes, there will be carol singing and parlour games from yesteryear for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can talk to characters from Victorian times to discover what life was really like 'Upstairs and Downstairs' at Christmas time and warm themselves in front of the yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace whilst enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. The splendid Victorian-style decorations around the house and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Upper Drawing Room will add to the flavour and charm of the season.

For shopping delights, visitors will find traditional gifts in the extensive gift shop situated in the Visitor Reception which has a large selection of motor related gifts including model cars and clothing accessories, an extensive range of books and videos plus lots more besides. Soft toys and stocking fillers for children, costume jewellery, fragrant bath-time preparations as well as Beaulieu's own wine, apple juice, cider and festive fare.

Beaulieu's Victorian Christmas celebrations take place from 11am to 4pm daily, between 15th December and 1st January, excluding Christmas Day.

HMS Gloucester returns to Portsmouth after £6 million upgrade

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Mon 17th Dec 2007

The air defence destroyer HMS Gloucester returns to her Portsmouth base on Wednesday (December 19) after a six-month, £6 million upgrade which has made her one of Britain’s most potent defence assets.

The Type 42 destroyer has emerged from a refit by Babcock Engineering Services at Rosyth with the latest maritime communications and sensor systems. They enhance her ability to interact with ease with other elements of the UK and other NATO Armed Forces.

In addition to her warfare systems, Gloucester has received a package of major work on her mechanical systems and services including the replacement of oil boilers with state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly water-making facilities.

Her hull has been overhauled and her superstructure has been fully repainted. Propellers have been refurbished and a novel addition to her hull – a ‘transom flap’ – has been fitted to improve stability and fuel efficiency.

Following highly successful sea trials, her return to Portsmouth heralds her availability as part of Britain’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force.

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Mike Paterson, said members of the ship’s company were delighted to be returning to sea to regenerate full operational capability. “Having taken delivery of a major improvement to our already significant air warfare capabilities, Gloucester will form a central element of the Royal Navy’s order of battle for years to come.

“I am extremely grateful to all who have worked so hard to ensure that the ship has left Rosyth on time, ready and fighting fit to re-join the Fleet.”

During the period she was in dockyard hands, the 287-strong ship’s company was able to make a valuable contribution to flood relief work in the Gloucester area last summer – particularly appropriate considering the ship’s 20-year affiliation with the city. The sailors were particularly successful in helping to prevent the Walham electricity sub-station being paralysed by flood water.

On a lighter note, the ship’s company also took part in Gloucester Carnival, an event that highlighted the city’s ability to overcome the disaster. Commander Paterson said: “This level of assistance to the community demonstrates the enduring flexibility, resourcefulness and relevance of the Royal Navy and its people.

“It was a great honour to be able to help our friends in Gloucestershire in their hour of need, and we were proud to share in their celebration of triumph over adversity.”

HMS Richmond returns from the Gulf

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Mon 17th Dec 2007

Portsmouth-based warship HMS Richmond returns home on Wednesday (Dec 19) from an eventful seven-month security mission in the Arabian Gulf.

The Type 23 frigate patrolled the northern Gulf as part of the UK’s contribution to security and stability in the region.

Richmond helped protect Iraqi offshore oil rigs and oil terminals - vital to that country’s economic development – and policed busy shipping lanes to protect and boost confidence in maritime trading and help to counter smuggling and piracy.

Her boarding team comprising RN and Royal Marines personnel carried out patrols and boarding operations to foster relations with merchant mariners and local fishermen. Training was given to Iraqi Marines and Naval staff in boarding and command and control operations, allowing them to carry out security duties in the future.

In September Oman was struck by Cyclone Gonu and Richmond was able to help the disaster relief effort by providing 7,000 bottles of drinking water.

After handing the reins to her sister ship HMS Argyll last month she paid a formal visit to Ras Al Khaimah when they hosted Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi – the first visit to the Emirate by a Royal Navy warship in two years.

But Richmond’s busy deployment was not over. She worked closely with the Yemeni Coastguard to arrest 13 suspected people smugglers, covertly tracking two suspicious dhows as they headed towards Somalia and coordinating their interception and seizure.

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Piers Hurrell, said: “I am delighted to bring HMS Richmond safely home after a demanding seven-month operational tour. During this time Richmond has contributed much to the maritime stability of the Middle East and thoroughly enjoyed training and working with the fledgling Iraqi Navy and Marine forces.”
Richmond covered 25,000 nautical miles during the deployment and her Merlin helicopter flew 104 sorties in the Gulf, spending a total of 250 hours in the air. The ship’s galley prepared 155,600 meals and cooked 35,680 sausages, 2,024 kg of bacon and 13,600kg of potatoes.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary - Drug Busters of the Caribbean!

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Wed 12th Dec 2007

British naval forces have notched up another counter-drugs success in the Caribbean with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing ship RFA Largs Bay intercepting over half a tonne of cocaine on her first ever operational patrol.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a civilian-manned force which supports the Royal Navy Fleet. RFA Largs Bay is currently tasked to provide support to UK Overseas Territories and to assist in the joint international effort in disrupting the flow of narcotics from South America to Europe and the USA.

The Royal Navy and RFA have had a series of successful operations to foil the drug smuggling cartels.
In the latest swoop, RFA Largs Bay tasked her Royal Navy Lynx helicopter - from 815 Naval Air Squadron based at Yeovilton in Somerset - to investigate a small fishing boat that was stopped in the water eight miles ahead of the ship and some 390 miles north-east of Barbados.

As the 16,000-tonne Largs Bay and the Lynx approached the fishing vessel, the aircrew witnessed the fishermen hastily dumping their dubious cargo into the sea. The Lynx, tasked to hover over the bales to mark their position in the rapidly diminishing light, simultaneously managed to track the fleeing smugglers.

RFA Largs Bay’s sea boat was then launched. Despite the bales of cocaine being weighted - and the difficult twilight conditions - the crew managed to recover some 575 kg of cocaine before being forced to leave as darkness approached. There was also a need to catch up with the suspect vessel as it attempting a sharp getaway.
Meanwhile, the Lynx rapidly refuelled and was re-launched in hot pursuit. RFA Largs Bay once again intercepted the drug smugglers, who were now motoring without lights and clearly had no desire to communicate. Flag state approval was sought to despatch elements of the embarked US Coastguard Law Enforcement Detachment to question the rogue skipper; this was eventually received and the fishing boat subsequently boarded.

RFA Largs Bay is now escorting the Venezuelan fishing boat Astromelia and her crew to a rendezvous with a Venezuelan naval vessel for hand over and due process.
Commanding Officer of RFA Largs Bay, Captain Ian Johnson, said: “RFA Largs Bay is at the cutting edge of the International fight, against drug smuggling. I am delighted that we have successfully secured a significant amount of cocaine, with a European street value estimated at some £20 million and once more dealt a significant blow to the drug cartels. It is particularly satisfying given that this is the ship’s first operational deployment after commissioning, and demonstrates the Government and MOD’s ongoing commitment to keep narcotics off our streets”

Secretary of State, Des Browne, said:
“The Navy and RFA have once again struck a major blow against the blight of drug dealers. I would like to thank them for this valuable contribution to keeping our country safe.”

Farewell Pitt Street Baths

This Art Nouveau baths and gymnasium were built in 1910-11 as the Royal Naval School of Physical Training, when the armed services were worried about the lack of fitness of new recruits. It has a twin in Chatham in HMS Pembroke - now used by the University of Greenwich. The gymnasium had the highest hall in Portsmouth - better for tranpolinists than the new gym at HMS Temeraire. When the navy moved out, they were so fond of Pitt Street that they took sections of the semi-circular railings and installed them in Burnaby Road as well as a fireplace and photographs..
In the 1980s the city council acquired the building and wanted to demolish it. The Department of the Environment refused to list it and issued a certificate of indemnity against listing. But we managed to contact a national sports body which was looking for a home for talented local athletes including children who had to travel up to the Midlands to train. They put money into refurbishing the building - the swimming pool was filled with foam blocks for trampolinists But the building was not well maintained.

When Centros Miller applied for outline permission to redevelop the 'Northern Quarter' they showed a big road parallel to the existing oneway road which roars between the baths and the dockyard wall. In the Society's objection we suggested that the road south could be accommodated under the new structure, but despite the unnecssarily and enormous acreage given to roads, including a turn into the dockyard which the MOD say they don't need, outline permission was granted - though the 'reserved matters' criticised by the Society have still not been agreed.
A condition was that the athletes should have other provision provided before demolition - and a News reporter says they are going to Southampton for three months and then to another facility. But the planning department did not put a condition of salvage or a photographic record on the outline planning permission, and only the railings are likely to be saved. There is salvageable stone and excellent brick as well as the roof trusses...
Generations of local people learnt to swim in Pitt Street, even if they were not in the services, including my children. We feel angry and sad that inept planning has put paid to a useful and decorative piece of Portsmouth's heritage.
Celia Clark

Solent Waterfront Strategy

You can take a local marine business to the water...... but, can you really?
Even with the considerable greater length of coastline to be had from its location on and around an island, Portsmouth currently offers comparitively little in the way of direct access to the sea for the very many marine businesses located in the city.
Whilst not every such firm will be wanting to actually launch ships and boats into the water as such there will be many that would benefit greatly from having better access to vessels both in and just out of the water and yet others that could just operate more effciently if they could be located actually by the water's edge.
Martin Hendry of Adams Hendry Consultants will be addressing this issue at next Wednesday evening's meeting of The Portsmouth Society when he will speak about the study they are undertaking to support development of the strategy which will help marine businesses gain greater access to waterfront facilities.
The meeting on Wednesday next 5th December will, however, be firmly landlocked at The John Pounds Centre, Aylward Street off Queen Street and starts at 7.30pm. Members of the public are most welcome as ever to sample the sense of local involvement which is the essence of The Portsmouth Society and admission is free and complimentary refreshments will be available at the end of the evening.
No one attending on this occasion is in any way likely to get wet, unless of course it rains!

http://www.portsmouthsociety.org.uk/

Portsmouth Reflections

Portsmouth Reflections - just the ticket for Christmas!
Neil Marshall has published this innovative book of Then and Now pictures - with contributions from Celia and Deane Clark, JA Hewes, Eddie Wallace, John Brownlee, John Sadden, Michael Zeffert and others. The recent photographs were taken from exactly the same spot at the same time of year as the old pictures - to get the shadows right - and he also indicates the exact location and direction of the images on sections of Ordnance Survey maps.
The text has interesting reflections on how the city has changed.over the years and Andy Wing's drawings of naval and military characters, playbills and posters enliven the pages.
If you would like a copy they are available at branches of The News at £12.99

Contract signed for £5.49 million Mountbatten Centre funding

A major £20 million development of the Mountbatten Centre into a 21st century flagship sporting facility took a major step forward this week with the signing of a £5.49 million contract with Sport England.

Last month Portsmouth councillors gave the final go ahead for the new-look sports complex which will provide top class community facilities for sports-lovers across the city.

Sport England is contributing £5.49m towards the total £19.955m cost of the scheme, with the council paying the rest. Under the terms of the Sport England funding, the council would have to return up to £2.49m if the Pyramids Centre on Southsea seafront is sold.

The council has bid for Portsmouth to become a pre-Olympic Games camp for 2012 - with the planned facilities at the Mountbatten Centre holding the potential key to hosting some or all of a national team.

Work on the new 50 metre swimming pool is starting at the Mountbatten Centre on Monday 7 January 2008, to the south of the main building on an existing car park.

Cllr Terry Hall, the council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "This is fantastic news for the city and will go a long way towards our vision of a healthier Portsmouth.

"We have also just completed our contractual arrangements with Broadwater Leisure Ltd - one of the main local authority leisure management contractors in the country - to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget.

"The new centre will create a focus for sport and fitness which will be the envy of our neighbours, and is a great boost for the city's regeneration. It's brilliant to think that by the summer of 2009 we are going to have a much-needed new swimming pool and other superb community sports facilities for the whole city to be proud of.

"Work on the new gymnastics centre is already well under way, and should be completed by the end of January.

"This redevelopment will bring major investment into existing facilities, including the main sports hall and the athletics and cycling tracks. It will provide a superb multi-sport village, linked to a sustainable network of other community sports facilities across the city - such as Admiral Lord Nelson, St Luke's and Priory Schools and Highbury College.

"The existing facilities will remain open during the work and disruption will hopefully be kept to a minimum."

Around 85% of the new eight-lane pool will be available for community use.  Divided by a moveable boom into two community pools - one with a moveable floor so it can have different depths, including one suitable for children or other learners - there will also be a 12.5m separate teaching pool.

Early Bumper Christmas Present For Rowans Hospice

Portsmouth Naval Base staff present £8,444 to Lesley Woodcock (front, middle) from Rowans Hospice

The Rowans Hospice at Purbrook received an early bumper Christmas present, when colleagues from Team Portsmouth at Portsmouth Naval Base presented the specialist care charity with a cheque for £8,444.

The spectacular sum was raised by RN, Industry and MOD employees through various initiatives including car boot sales, boxing events, entertainment and the Basin Run – a fun run around the base.

Captain Chris Usborne, Captain and Executive Personnel said: “Portsmouth Naval Base is passionate about getting involved in events that will make a difference for others. We are delighted that The Rowans Hospice will be able to make use of these funds for their very valuable cause.”

Two Portsmouth Warships Return Home For Christmas

Two Portsmouth warships which have been operating in opposite parts of the globe have returned home for Christmas.

Type 42 destroyer HMS Southampton and minehunter HMS Middleton returned to the Naval Base today.  Southampton has been protecting the UK’s interests in the South Atlantic for eight months while Middleton has spent four and-a-half months as part of a Nato force across northern Europe.

During regular patrols around the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Southampton provided reassurance to inhabitants of the UK overseas territories. She visited 14 foreign ports during the deployment and took part in large-scale exercises with forces from Chile, the United States, France and Argentina.

Southampton also trained with UK troops in the Falklands and conducted a disaster relief exercise in South Georgia, linking up with British forces and scientists from the British Antarctic Survey.

Her journey home via West Africa has included port visits to Cape Town, Lobito in Angola and Lagos, Nigeria. Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Morris, said: “The technical, logistical and human factors of operating a warship thousands of miles way from the UK for eight months are considerable.

“The successful conclusion of the deployment is a credit to the professionalism and dedication of the men and women who serve as Southampton’s ship’s company.”
Middleton meanwhile has spent most of her deployment on mine clearance operations in the eastern Baltic. She worked alongside 21 other ships from 11 nations clearing mines from both world wars off the coasts of Estonia and Lithuania and visited St Petersburg to further Nato and Russian relations.

In October the group worked in the more exposed waters of the English Channel, carrying out mine clearance in the Bay de Seine. The deployment was rounded off with exercises off Germany and the fjords of Norway.

The task group also acted as NATO’s immediate reaction force, on call to deploy anywhere in the region at short notice.

Middleton’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Steve Holloway, said: “Having worked with a multinational force for four months, we are confident in our ability to clear vital areas from historic ordnance that still presents a danger to today’s mariners.

“We have also proven we can turn our hand to most situations through a developed understanding of one another’s methods. It has been a busy but rewarding deployment.”

HMS SOUTHAMPTON returns to port

HMS SOUTHAMPTON returns to port after eight months
Families await return of loved ones, for some after the longest period at sea...

Nearly eight months after passing Round Tower as she left Portsmouth, today HMS Southampton will pass the same landmark as she sails back in to her home port.
Waiting on the quayside in Portsmouth Dockyard will be the families of many of the Ship’s Company, some of whom will have travelled many miles to see their loved ones return from what, for many, will have been the longest time they have spent away from home.
During her deployment Southampton has visited fourteen countries, sailed in two oceans, and covered over 33,000 miles. She has trained with warships from Chile, Peru, France, Argentina and the United States, in addition to working alongside British forces based in the Falkland Islands.
As Southampton prepared to return to Portsmouth, the Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Morris commented: “The technical, logistical and human factors of operating a warship thousands of miles away from the UK for eight months are considerable. The successful conclusion of the deployment is a credit to the professionalism and dedication of the men and women who serve as Southampton’s Ship’s Company.”
The Ship will spend the early part of 2008 undergoing routine maintenance while the Ship’s Company will undertake continued training in order to prepare themselves and the Ship for her future programme.

Isle of Wight Festival is a sell out

The Isle of Wight Festival 2008 is now officially sold out.

The 50,000 tickets to the award winning festival have been snapped up in about a week.

With a line up that boasts The Police's only UK Festival date, iconic punk rockers, Sex Pistols and Brit winners, the Kaiser Chiefs, it is not hard to see why.

Festival Promoter John Giddings said: "All we need now is glorious sunshine again'!

Now in its seventh year the Isle of Wight Festival always delivers a mixture of new, established and legendary artists on the bill.

As well as the headliners, also appearing throughout the weekend will be Grammy Award nominee, Lily Allen, Q Award 'Best New Act' winners, The Enemy, Brit Award winner of Best British Female Solo artist, KT Tunstall, legendary punk rockers, Iggy and The Stooges, Manchester maverick, Ian Brown, plus The Kooks, N.E.R.D and James.

A host of the hottest newcomers have also been confirmed, including Kate Nash, Hoosiers and Scouting for Girls.

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place Friday 13th - Sunday 15th June at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight.

Reflecting on children at shops' fun day

Love Albert Road event organiser Ian Parmiter with eight-month-old Alana Hayes holding a stick of Albert Road Rock PICTURE: MICHAEL SCADDAN (075041-0037)

Hundreds of families descended on Southsea to celebrate their independent shops.

Love Albert Road was promoting the shopping area in Southsea.
But the focus of the day was children rather than shopping.
There was music and a range of festive treats as well as an alternative Santa – with youngsters encouraged to give presents to him for the big man to pass on to needy charities.
Ian Parmiter, who organised yesterday's event, was thrilled with the way it went.
He said: 'Everyone has been getting the spirit of things and having lots of fun.
'The whole idea is to promote the road – there's a lot going on here.'
There was live music from the Salvation Army band and an African women's choir.
Mr Parmiter added: 'It's been just what we wanted. This hasn't been so much about shopping as it is about the children.'

Portsmouth Papers still fab at forty

The 40th anniversary of the Portsmouth Papers is being celebrated with the publication of a new booklet in the local history series.

Settlers, Visitors & Asylum Seekers is the 75th Portsmouth paper to have been published.  Covering an enormous range of subjects, there's sure to be one to interest everyone - from the history of the city's pubs and breweries and the artist WL Wyllie, to the origins of the city, the Second World War and postwar rebuilding, Portsmouth's novelists, the railways, the Civil War in the town and the growth of Southsea.

The first paper in the series, Portchester Castle by Professor Barry Cunliffe, was published in 1967. 

John Stedman, local history officer, said: "To have published so many entertaining, informative and scholarly booklets over such a long period is a remarkable achievement for a council.  Outside London there is no similar series of local history publications devoted to the story of a single town, or covering that story so comprehensively.  Portsmouth should be proud of this achievement."

Review copies of this or other booklets in the series are available from John Stedman, editor of the series, at Portsmouth City Museum & Records Office, Museum Rd, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ   tel. 023 9282 7261 Fax 023 9287 5276, john.stedman@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Portsmouth Papers are available from the City Museum & Records Office, The Central Library and on-line at www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

Get the New Year off to a cracking start

If you've overdone it on the turkey and mince pies, seen enough television repeats to last a lifetime and can't face the thought of the January sales, why not try something different this festive season and visit one of Portsmouth's fascinating museums?

Several are open on New Year's Day (Tuesday 1 January) including the City Museum, D-Day Museum, Cumberland House and Southsea Castle.  Normal opening hours apply and there's sure to be something to interest all the family.

Admission is free except at the D-Day Museum. Free entry is also being offered at Southsea Castle over the holiday period - the castle is open on 27 December and 1 January from 10am - 5.30pm.

Exhibitions at the City Museum include 'A Study in Sherlock': Uncovering the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection', 'An Artist's Impression of Portsmouth' by Barry 'Baz' Hobbs, and the Southern Ceramic Group annual exhibition.

David Evans from the museums service said: "If you're fed up with sitting in front of the TV and fancy a change, Portsmouth's museums are definitely worth a try. Plus a trip to the City Museum, Southsea Castle and Cumberland House won't cost you a penny - great news if you've overspent on the Christmas presents."   

City Museum and Records Office
Museum Road
Portsmouth

Open 10am-5pm

NB The Searchroom is not open on 1 January.

Southsea Castle
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea

Open 10am - 5.30pm

Natural History Museum
Cumberland House
Eastern Parade
Southsea
Open 10am - 4pm

D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery

Clarence Esplanade,Southsea

Open 10am - 5pm

http://www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk/

Park and ride for Christmas shopping

Portsmouth's Christmas park-and-ride, which allows a family of shoppers to travel into the city for just £2, is operating again on Saturday December 15.

The service, from Portsmouth City Council, is also running next Saturday - so it's just the ticket for Christmas shopping.

Once again, drivers can park at Lakeside, the home of IBM at Northarbour. The £2-per-car fare allows them and all their passengers to travel between Lakeside, the city centre and Gunwharf Quays.

Passengers can hop around the different drop-off points on the same ticket.

Buses run every seven minutes between Lakeside and the city centre, with alternate buses going on to Gunwharf Quays.

The park-and-ride runs from 9am to 6pm and there is no charge to park. The £2 fare is a contribution towards the council's costs in providing the bus service, which is operated by First Hampshire & Dorset.

Last year nearly 4,000 people in almost 2,000 cars used the service, easing congestion on city roads and helping bring business to local shops.

A toilet is provided in the car park and is fully maintained while the bus services are operating. First Hampshire & Dorset provide staff at the site.

An artist's impression of Portsmouth

A Portsmouth-born multi-media artist is exhibiting some of his work at the City Museum and Records office until March 2008.

A hugely talented, self-taught musician and film-maker, Barry 'Baz' Hobbs produces work with outstanding social comment inspired by history, religion and consumerism.

'Portsmouth - an artist's Impression' is a multi-media show featuring video and paintings exploring three themes:

• Postcards from the Front describes Portsmouth's rich history as an important naval port and a popular seaside and holiday resort
• Downtown, showing how Portsmouth has become  a vibrant and modern multicultural city
• An Artist's Impression - contemporary and understandable abstract work that explores Portsmouth's natural surroundings

David Evans from the museum service said: "The exhibition aims to give the viewer an informative, thought provoking experience, enhancing their awareness of local surroundings while being rooted in an art-based programme."

Lake of Lights 2007 21st December

A Huge Success.

Lake of Lights 2006 was a huge success. 2000 people lined the edges of Canoe Lake in Southsea to reflect upon their own memories in a tranquil and peaceful setting. The lake itself was covered with over 1500 lights, each signifying an individual memory or battle against cancer.

The event not originally planned as a fundraising occasion merely as an awareness raising spectacle, thanks to the generous donations of so many people ended up raising £6000.

Another hugely popular part of the evening were the memory cards available, of which 2500 were filled out, each with a special memory or person written on. These are now in the process of being added to a book of celebration which will go on show in the Oncology department of St Mary's Hospital in the summer of 2007.

Many thanks go out to anyone who helped in making the event such a huge success and adding to the fantastic atmosphere that transpired on the night. Lake of Lights will be happening again this year and once again on the longest night of the year December 21st 2007. The plan is to make the event even larger with even more lights covering the lake.

Working with Fort.

FORT Cancer Charity was founded in 1992 as Friends of Oncology and Radiotherapy Trust and although based within St Mary's hospital Portsmouth, works throughout the region within all the hospitals and also within the community.

 

http://www.lakeoflights.org.uk/

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to Share Breakfast with Santa!

Santa Claus will be taking a break from his busy schedule on 15th December and heading to The Boardwalk, Port Solent to enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Surf Grill Shack.

He would love for you all to join him between 9.30am and 11am where he will also be giving out sweets and balloons, and will gladly receive any Christmas letters that you wish to bring.  Breakfast is free for children visiting Santa, and accompanying adults can enjoy a full English for just £3.95.  

“Santa is a great friend of The Boardwalk,” commented Centre Manager, John Holt.  “He’s really looking forward to meeting the children of Portsmouth, who he knows have been all good boys and girls this year.”

Once breakfast is finished, why not visit The Boardwalk’s Odeon cinema, where ‘Kids Club’ starts at 11am with a screening of Alvin and the Chipmunks.  The film cost £2.50 per child and accompanying adults go free.  Alternatively, you can enjoy the new family film from Disney, Enchanted, where the real and animated worlds collide in this fairytale adventure.

All mapped out - the Big Pompey Day Out Exhibition

An exhibition of maps created by local children has gone on display at the City Museum and Records Office.

The children were taken out for a day to remember as a reward for achieving over 120 hours of extra learning on Saturdays with the Children's University, run by the Pompey Study Centre. All the children were given the opportunity to make their own Pompey Map from places they thought made Pompey great - including the football club, the beach, museums and many other Portsmouth attractions.

A guided tour round Fratton Park proved the highlight of the day, followed by a return to the Pompey Study Centre where they created their own unique views of the city to take home on an A1 poster for their bedroom wall.

Bryony Kelly from the museums and records service said: "The maps are all personal to the children as they include locations in Portsmouth that mean something to them - for example their school - and they created their own key. This exhibition really does put Portsmouth on the map, but from a child's perspective."

The exhibition is open from 1 December to 3 January 2008 at the City Museum and Records Office, Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ and admission is free.

The Children's University aims to help children find out about themselves, learn in fun situations, encourage them to find out what they are good at, as well as meeting people from other schools and experiencing new environments and is for children in Years 4 to 7. For more information please contact Jo Valentine at the Pompey Study Centre on 023 9286 4121.

Discover the paintings you own at the City Museum

10 December 2007 -

An inspiring exhibition to mark the publication of Portsmouth's oil paintings by the Public Catalogue Foundation is opening this week at the City Museum and Record Office.

The exhibition contains a selection of over 70 items from the catalogue, giving an idea of the range of the collection, both in artistic content and period.

David Evans from the museums service said: "We have tried to explore the reasons for collecting each painting,  the techniques of  painting in oil, acrylic or tempera and some of the issues in looking after them.  Using the catalogue as our starting point has allowed us to hang paintings together that might otherwise be separated in a more conventional exhibition.  This has resulted in some interesting comparisons and means there is something for everyone.

"The catalogue has made the paintings more accessible to the people who truly own them - the residents of Portsmouth.  The money raised from the sale of the catalogues at the museum will go directly back into caring for the paintings."

Over 800 oil paintings in Portsmouth City Council's collections have been illustrated and included in the impressive new book published by the Public Catalogue Foundation earlier this year.

The City Museum and Records Office is open 7 days a week, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free. You can find it at Museum Road, Portsmouth. Their phone number is 023 9282 7261 and you can email them at mvs@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Display set to show off paintings

An exhibition to mark the publication of Portsmouth's oil paintings is opening next week at the city's Museum and Records Office.

There are more than 800 oil paintings in the council’s collections which have been included in the new book published by the Public Catalogue Foundation earlier this year. The exhibition contains more than 70 items.
David Evans, from the museums service, said: ‘We have tried to explore the reasons for collecting each painting, the techniques of painting in oil, acrylic or tempera and some of the issues in looking after them. Using the catalogue as our starting point has allowed us to hang paintings together that might otherwise be separated in a more conventional exhibition. This has resulted in some interesting comparisons.’
He added: ‘The catalogue has made the paintings more accessible to the people who own them – the residents of Portsmouth. The money raised from the sale of catalogues will go back into caring for the paintings.’
The City Museum and Records Office is open every day, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from 10am to 5pm and admission is free.

My Fair Lady

New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Wed 5 December to Fri 7 December
Wed at 1.30pm, Thurs and Fri at 7.30pm

Henry Higgins – an arrogant professor boasts that he can train any woman to speak properly so that he can pass her off as a Duchess – including Eliza Doolittle, a poor girl with a strong Cockney accent, whom he encounters selling flowers in Covent Garden.

A heart warming journey then follows, complete with a gruelling course of phonetics and elocution lessons that lead Eliza to her moment of triumph at the embassy ball, where she is beautiful, well spoken and elegant.

Come and join us for an evening of splendid entertainment as we witness Eliza’s amazing journey from Cockney Sparrow to English Swan.

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Ticket Information  http://www.newtheatreroyal.com/

Tickets in all areas £5.00 (£3.00 concessions)

Box Office 023 9264 9000

Portsmouth University orchestra and Big Band 
Directed by Colin Jagger and Bob Petri  

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Portsmouth Pops Spectacular
Sat 8 December at 7.30pm

The University of Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and Big Band presents an evening of light orchestral classics, film music, and jazz standards.

Make sure you join us for this fantastic pre-Christmas extravaganza of great music. They’ll be something for everyone with lots of your favourite tunes and some you’ll love to get to know!

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Ticket Information

Stalls £7 (£5 concessions)
Circle £8 (£6 concessions)
Upper Circle £7 (£5 concessions)

Box Office 023 9264 9000

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CCADS (Theatre Hire)  

BABE The Sheep Pig
Weds 12 to Sat 15 December at 7.30pm,
Sat matinees at 11am and 2.30pm

This is a tale of high adventure in the farmyard; of humble beginnings and courageous triumphs. This is the story of one piglet’s rise to become the world famous “sheep-pig”.

When Babe is won by Farmer Hogget at the village fair an extraordinary friendship develops, one that will change the whole farm.

CCADS is proud to present a fast-moving and colourful new version of the beloved story that achieved worldwide hit status as the award-winning family movie ‘BABE’.

A wonderful pre-Christmas treat for all the family….don’t miss it!

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Ticket Information

Tickets in all areas £10 (£8.50 concessions, £5 children under 16)

Box Office 023 9264 9000

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

 

Starring Lorraine Chase, Mark Raffety, Sophie McDonnell, Aiden J Harvey

Can the beautiful Snow White (Sophie McDonnell, CBBC) escape the evil clutches of the Wicked Queen (Lorraine Chase, Emmerdale) and marry her true love the Prince (Mark Raffety, Neighbours)? She can with the help of Muddles (Aiden J Harvey), Sarah the Cook (Phil Randall) and seven helpful (and not so helpful!) dwarfs.

12th December - 6th January

Ticket prices
*Preview/Opening Night All tickets £10.00
£2.00 off –Gold Card
Other performances £11.00 – £19.00
Box (4 seats) £57.00
Family ticket (4 seats) £33.00 - £57.00
£2.00 off – Child, OAP, Student, Gold Card
For Group Bookings call Sandra
on 023 9285 2208

http://www.kings-southsea.com/

Minister gives green light for Northern Quarter

Artists impression of the planned centre

By Mary Griffin

The green light has finally been given to plans to transform Portsmouth city centre businesses and make way for the multi-million pound Northern Quarter revamp.

It has taken a turbulent two years for Portsmouth City Council to win the right to buy out 50 businesses in the Commercial Road area, clearing the path for the building of the huge new shopping centre.
But after appeals from angry traders, a government inquiry and a police investigation into alleged bribery and corruption, the council has now been given permission by the government to issue Compulsory Purchase Orders and get the development under way.
Government minister Hazel Blears gave the thumbs-up after reading a detailed report into the scheme.
City council chief executive, David Williams, described it as 'a long and complicated process.'
He said most businesses in the area have already to sell up voluntarily after negotiations with the council, but the remainder will be forced to sell.
He said: 'We're delighted the compulsory purchase orders have now been confirmed.
'It's a major step in the redevelopment of the city centre which will be of great benefit to Portsmouth.'

The full article contains 198 words and appears in n/a newspaper.

Last Updated: 03 December 2007 11:55 AM

Full Story The News Portsmouth,

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/latest/Minister-gives-green-light-for.3549067.jp

1300 children to sing in Guildhall Square

Christmas gets underway when The Lord Mayor officially turns on the Guildhall Square Christmas tree lights along with over 1300 local schoolchildren on Monday, December 3 from 6.30pm.

A countdown will be held for the switch on and then carols will be sung by the children who are from 36 different schools. Father Christmas will then enter the square in a horse drawn carriage.

The Salvation Army Portsmouth Citadel Band will provide the music.

Each school has been asked to donate two or three presents, which will be given out to disadvantaged children across the city.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Blake said: "Christmas wouldn't be complete without a carol service.

"I am pleased so many of our schools are involved, in what promises to be a memorable evening in the Guildhall Square."

A competition was held to design the front of the programme for the evening event.  The winner is Katie Nelson, aged 8, from St Jude's Primary School.

Entries produced by the runners-up will be on display in the Norrish Central Library by the lifts to the Third Floor arts centre from Monday, 3 December until the New Year.

Historic Dockyard triumphs in online poll

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard remains the most popular place for residents to show off their city to visitors, according to an online poll.

The historic dockyard, which welcomes almost 500,000 paying customers a year, recorded 22% of the 600 votes from Portsmouth area people who took part in the national Pride of Place poll.

The dockyard, which includes HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860, the Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations, had 6% more votes than the runner-up Spinnaker Tower. Old Portsmouth finished third with 13%.

The poll was launched on October 15, and the voting ended last Friday.

Some 648 votes were received in Portsmouth – 1.76% of the 36,814 votes cast to 87 local authority areas nationally. Portsmouth had the 17th highest number of votes.

Jacquie Shaw, Public Relations Manager for the Historic Dockyard, said: “The Historic Dockyard is the beating heart of the City and we are thrilled that Portsmouth residents are proud to have such a world famous tourist attraction on their doorstep."  

Portsmouth City Council listed ten choices on its website for people to vote. They were, with their percentage of the overall vote:

• Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, 6%
• City Museum, including Conan Doyle Exhibition, 7%
• Cultural trail, taking in both cathedrals and theatres, 6%
• D-Day Museum, 5%
• Gunwharf Quays, including Aspex Gallery, 11%
• Old Portsmouth, 13%
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 22%
• Southsea Seafront (incl Southsea Castle, Blue Reef and   Royal Marines Museum), 10%
• Southsea Shopping, 4%
• Spinnaker Tower, 16%

The Pride of Place poll was part of the government’s ‘Connect to your Council’ campaign, which aimed to encourage citizens to access their local authority services online – anytime, anywhere.

launch of a whole host of festive activities at the Spinnaker Tower.

Saturday 1 December -

  Throughout weekends during December and the Christmas holidays, 'Spinny Claus', the tower's loveable mascot Spinny, will greet children in a brand new yuletide outfit, from his grotto - sponsored by VISTA (fair-trade coffee sold at the Tower). The spectacular Spinny Claus, with the help of his elfin friends, will hand out gifts to all child visitors on View Deck 1. Spinny Claus's grotto will be open on: 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 to 24 December. A visit to see Spinny Claus is included in the entry fee. There will also be entertaining activity sheets, complete with a wintry word search and a Christmas hunt. Children can simply hand in their completed activity sheet for a chance to win a fantastic Spinnaker Tower Christmas goodie bag.

LOVE ALBERT ROAD FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY

LOVE ALBERT ROAD FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY with an alternative Father Christmas SUNDAY 16TH DECEMBER It will be a day for families and fun, we are asking children to bring along a new and unwrapped present for Santa which will then be donated to a local children's charity. Santa will give children accompanied with an adult a reusable cloth shopping bag to use for Christmas shopping in our unique shops in Albert Road. Many shops and businesses will be in fancy dress and giving away small gifts to the children ie, sweets, badges, glow sticks etc. There will be roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and a torch light parade culminating in Carols outside the Kings Theatre. Participating Bars and Restaurants will be offering special Meal Deals. Shops will be open for business 12-5pm and Santa will be paying us a visit between 1pm and 3pm. SO put this date in your diaries as a Family Christmas Shopping Day, come to Albert Road, have lunch, have fun and buy those special and unique gifts. LORD SONIC OF SOUTHSEA www.myspace.com/albertroadsouthsea

"Viva Las Vegas" Christmas Party

10th December  Spinnaker Tower

"Viva Las Vegas" Christmas Party
Do you feel like Christmas is creeping up on you? Are your colleagues starting to talk about the Christmas Party? Are you panicking because nothing is booked yet?
Why not book a Christmas Party with a twist and join us for our "Viva Las Vegas" Christmas Party night on 10th December 2007?
Get together with friends and colleagues for a night of entertainment and dancing Vegas style. Complete with Show Girls, casino tables, Rat-Pack entertainment all wrapped up with Christmas decorations and novelties, this really is an evening not to be missed.
"Viva Las Vegas" evening includes:

• Pink Cadillac cocktail on arrival in our grand foyer
• Visit for all your guests to the top of the Tower where you will find blackjack and roulette tables for your entertainment
• 'All you can eat' Christmas buffet served on the ground level
• Live Ratpack entertainment in the Tower Café/Bar
• Mince pies, Christmas crackers and novelties

Only £35.00 per person (over 18's only)
Book your "Viva Las Vegas" Christmas party today to avoid disappointment!
Call our Events Manager today on 02392 730 467 or email asimmons@spinnakertower.co.uk for further information.

Christmas Holidays

  At the Spinnaker Tower, spectacular Spinny Claus will be making appearances throughout weekends in December and the Christmas Holidays*. With the help of his elfin friends, he will hand out gifts to all our child visitors from his grotto on View Deck 1!
Don't forget to pick up our activity sheet complete with wintry word search and Christmas fun. Simply hand in your completed activity sheet for a chance to win a fantastic Spinnaker Tower Goodie Bag.
There will be a Sky High Carol Concert performed by Portsmouth Cathedral Choir on Sunday 23rd December at 4pm so come along and join in the Christmas spirit!**
*Grotto open 11am to 3pm on 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd-24th December. Standard admission rates apply.
**Standard admission rates apply. http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/events.htm

Ferry pledge as first glimpse is unveiled

The ageing Gosport Ferry pontoon that needs to be replaced

This is a sneak preview of Gosport's new £3m Ferry Pontoon.

The image has been released by Gosport Borough Council as it pledges that the scheme will go ahead – despite problems over its funding.
In a statement released in conjunction with the artist's impression, borough council chief executive Ian Lycett promised the pontoon had a future.
Critics have claimed that its £3m price tag would cripple the council, which prompted fears the ferry service would stop altogether.
But Mr Lycett said: 'What would have been the point of us fighting to save the dockyard for the thousands of Gosport residents who work there, only to take away the pontoon used by the ferry service that transports them to work every day?
'The last thing the borough council wants is more cars on the roads.
'We continually strive to encourage businesses to relocate here to provide more local jobs and reduce daily commuting.
'To expect those working or being educated in Portsmouth to use cars instead of the ferry would be a backwards step in our efforts to reduce traffic on the A32.'
Mr Lycett was not available for interview by The News.
But the statement and release of draft plans – as well as a guarantee the ferry will be saved – has angered opposition councillors.
Gosport Borough Council Lib Dem leader Dave Smith claims there is no funding in place for the pontoon.
He sa

id: 'I have no idea why these plans have been released or the council is guaranteeing to fund it.
'There's no agreement on the finances for this.
'There is still a lot of negotiating to do about how this is going to be paid for.'
Hampshire county councillor in charge of transport Mel Kendal has said that the county will not pay for any repairs – despite the fact it funded repairs to Hythe ferry's pontoon earlier this year.
The Gosport Ferry Company's managing director John Foster said it was willing to make some financial contribution to replacing the pontoon, but added that if it had to pay a much larger lease for the pontoon fares may go up.

Festival of Christmas

 

Welcome to A Victorian Festival of Christmas 2007

Friday 30 November – Sunday 2 December 10am – 6pm

With its snow-covered street, seasonal carols, Father Christmas, Christmas shopping and cast of Victorian characters, this hugely popular event is a delightful trip to Christmas past for all the family.

Wander through the European-style shopping village, Victorian Street, Georgian colonnades and discover superb quality gifts, fine crafts, festive food and drink at the biggest Christmas market on the South Coast. 

Step back 150 years to celebrate Christmas with a cast of hundreds.  Meet a host of colourful Victorian characters such as Scrooge, Mr Bumble and Queen Victoria herself and join in with the new and novel bawdy music hall of Fagin’s Tavern.

Children will laugh at the traditional street and fairground entertainments and music lovers will delight in traditional Christmas carols and marching bands.  

Opening times: 10am - 6pm every day. Last admission at 4.30pm.

How to book & information about ticket prices

Please Note: Tickets for A Victorian Festival of Christmas can no longer be purchased online or by telephone. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Centre in person until 4pm on Thursday 29th November, at the event itself, or at the following outlets:

Portsmouth TIC, Southsea TIC, Gosport TIC, Fareham TIC, Chichester TIC and Wightlink.

A Festival of Christmas ticket includes free entry into the attractions at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard**.  Visit the world famous historic ships – HMS Victory,  Mary Rose & HMS Warrior 1860 - that have shaped British history.  Home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s other attractions include one of the country’s leading maritime museums, The Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations, a hands-on and exciting showcase for the modern Royal Navy. 

Tickets: Adults: £10, Seniors: £8, Children: £8

Family (2 Adults & 3 Children): £33

The ticket price includes entry to all the festive entertainment on site plus the historic ships and museums.

**excludes Harbour Tours

Special Offer for Isle of Wight Residents!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has teamed up with Wightlink Ferries to offer visitors travelling from the Island a joint ticket for entrance to A Victorian Festival of Christmas and return travel as a foot passenger. Tickets are available from Wightlink terminals and are priced as follows:
£14 adult, £9 child, £43 family

Groups

Early bird booking deal - Save 10% - Click here and enter group enquiry in contact form today

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers special prices for groups of 15 or more visitors.  It is recommended that all groups book in advance, so we can advise on availability, facilities and help you to plan your timetable.

There is NO DEPOSIT to pay, just register your group with a clear indication of numbers and make payment in full by Friday 23 November*.

Special group accommodation deals

Tulip Inn - One night’s stay over the period 30 November/1/2 December, on a bed and breakfast basis, including entrance to A Victorian Festival of Christmas at adults/seniors £41.00 per person per night based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room. A single room supplement is available at £20, per person per night.

To make a booking call: (UK only) 023 9283 9766  (Outside UK) 00 44 23 9283 9766.

*Date applies if paying by credit card, debit card or cash.  If paying by cheque please pay by Friday 16 November.  Full terms & conditions of this offer will be sent on registration.

Park and Ride

Visitors to A Victorian Festival of Christmas can take advantage of Portsmouth City Council’s Park and Ride scheme. The scheme will run on Saturday December  1 & Sunday 2nd and operate from 9am  with the last bus leaving The Hard at 6 .45pm. A small charge of £2 will apply for each vehicle and passengers can be dropped off on The Hard, just outside Victory Gate, the main pedestrian entrance to the Historic Dockyard. The Park and Ride will be signposted from the M27 east and westbound approaching Portsmouth.

Parking

To help all our visitors this year, additional parking has been catered for. Locations of these parking areas can be viewed on the right.

Landing Ship Sir Galahad Joins the Brazilian Navy

 

Brazil will formally welcome the former Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) landing ship Sir Galahad into her Navy at Portsmouth Naval Base on Tuesday (December 4).

Sir Galahad (8,750 tonnes), which in 1988 replaced the ship of the same name lost in the Falklands War, will be commissioned into the Brazilian navy as the Garcia D’Avila – the name of a distinguished captain and Brazilian war hero who served from 1913 until 1945.

Representing the British Armed Forces at the commissioning ceremony will be Portsmouth Naval Base Commander, Commodore David Steel. He said today: “Sir Galahad has seen long and distinguished service with the RFA, and while it is always sad to bid farewell to one of our ships, all of us in the Naval Service are delighted and heartened that Sir Galahad, as the Garcia D’Avila, will be a valued and very capable addition to the Brazilian fleet.”

Sir Galahad and her five sister ships began entering service from the mid-1960s, but from 2001 were replaced by four much larger and more capable vessels of 16,000 tonnes – RFAs Largs Bay, Lyme Bay, Mounts Bay and Cardigan Bay – each of which are equipped with landing craft and can accommodate 356 troops and up to 150 trucks or 24 Challenger battle tanks.

The present Sir Galahad was built by Swan Hunter at Tyne and Wear and has served in both Iraq wars. She is unique in the RFA as having won two Wilkinson Swords of Peace for humanitarian aid – to Angola in 1995 and Iraq in 2003.

In July last year she made her last journey under the RFA flag when she sailed from Marchwood port, the Armed Forces’ Sea Mounting Centre on Southampton Water, to Portsmouth where she has been refitted for Brazilian service.

It's first step as new-look city emerges

The former Pitt Street gym

DEMOLITION of the former Pitt Street gym has started, signalling the start of the Northern Quarter regeneration.

Workers from specialist demolition contractor Hughes and Salvidge have brought in a vehicle called a Hitachi 250 to munch away at the walls of the building, which dates back to 1910.
A team of six, which is led by site manager Gary Sturgess, will take about eight weeks to complete the project in Clarence Street.
The Portsmouth-based outfit is hoping it will win the contract for the whole of the Northern Quarter.
It was awarded this contract by developers Centros Miller after beating off stiff competition.
About 95 per cent of the material will be recycled. Last week the asbestos was stripped out.
Mr Sturgess said: 'It's nice to be involved with the Northern Quarter project. We use the hardcore to begin with to fill the swimming pool and once it's all demolished we will have lorries in to

clear the hard core and that will be removed and recycled.'
Peter Sherlow, business development manager for the Flathouse Road-based firm, said: 'I think here the Centros Miller development will put Portsmouth in good favour against the like of Southampton and Fareham. We need this development.
'I can understand people having nostalgia over what we've got in the building but it's essential for the development of today's generation.'
The building was once the former Royal Naval School of Physical Training.
The plans by developers Centros Miller for Northern Quarter include open streets with more than 80 new shops, cafes and restaurants, a John Lewis department store and a Marks and Spencer store.
About 3,000 to 4,000 builders, carpenters, electricians, scaffolders and roadbuilders will be needed to build the new shopping centre that will transform Portsmouth's skyline.