PT1: A Loss of The Past

Two and a half years ago, I moved to Portsmouth with low expectations. But, by simply walking around the south of the island, I felt a sense of adventure, discovering hidden gems; Cobblestone streets, vernacular masonry, ornate Ironwork and Victorian architecture. To my surprise, I felt an atmosphere, history and soul.

The same can't be said for the city centre and Commercial road. I feel I can't connect with it. History has been almost completely erased, along with it; It's soul and sense of place. Everyone is a stranger to the city. and the City is a stranger to them.

Photograph of a Tram negotiating floods along Commercial road highstreet (Approx date 1930's)

Here the shop fronts/advertisement extend above the first floor. The entire building appears to have a purpose.

The tram is connecting the city centre to the outskirts of the Island. Advertising its existence.

Left to Right: Railway bridge, Aerial view of Tricorn and Charlotte street, The original Marks and Spencer (Now moved to Ocean Retail park)

Left to Right: Tram and shopfronts, Commuting cyclists outside Barclays, Advertisement graphics.

*Images source: The Portsmouth News, www.portsmouth.co.uk/news

What makes these images so unfamiliar to the high street we know today?

In short, The city centre has lost its pride. No longer showcasing its historic cultural features, and failing to represent its inhabitants of the present.

The city has lost its pride. Shops are confined to the street level and the above floors are unused and neglected. Evidence of its past are scarce and towered over by other modern builds. There are no links to other key areas of the Island: Southsea, Old Portsmouth, Milton common or Eastney.

*Guildhall square in the 1950's, Own Source.

Left to Right: Rising skyline, ageing empty second floor facades, Monotonous rectangular rhythms are an uninspiring contrast to the ornate.

Tramlines paved over. Guildhall walled in by offices. War Memorial & Historic park hidden. Connecting pedestrian and traffic routes closed off. Historic facades flattened. Skyline towering and crowded.

How can we change this anonymous city?