But now the site is undergoing a huge transformation as part of the ‘Tipner East’ project to create a new development of 835 new homes, community facilities and sea defences. Work is almost complete by PMC to the clear the site so that construction work for the VIVID project can begin this autumn, starting with the sea defences. It has been a huge undertaking, with the iconic site one which has been seen by Portsmouth residents and visitors for decades.
Known as the Harry Pounds scrapyard, it was then taken over and known as the John Pounds scrapyard, or simply Pounds yard with large amounts of scrap material taken to the site and stored or disposed of over the years. However the site has also appeared on the big screen having been used as a location for the 1975 film Tommy with Roger Daltrey. The scene near the end of the film featuring the giant 'pinballs', which were, in fact, obsolete buoys found in at the yard.
Here we look back at the iconic Pounds Scrapyard over the years:
1. Pounds Yard
O-Class Submarines two of the boats formerly based at HMS Dolphin, Gosport, now waiting to be cut-up for scrap at Pound's shipbreakers yard at Tipner, Portsmouth. Picture: Michael Scaddan 006051-0018 Photo: The News archive
2. Pounds Scrapyard
The area of land at Tipner bisected by the M275 motorway entrance to Portsmouth, with the greyhound stadium and Pounds yard at bottom left, and the Tipner ranges with Pounds shipbreakers at top. Picture Mike Scaddan Photo: 22-09-23 RW8
3. 22-09-23 RW12.jpg
Roger Daltrey at Pounds Yard for the filming of Ken Russell's 1975 film Tommy Photo: 22-09-23 RW12
4. Pounds scrapyard
A military vehicle on fire at the Pounds yard in Portsmouth. 26th November 2011 Photo: 22-09-23 RW11