Historic Brickwood & Co bottles unearthed while work continues at multi-million pound Bransbury Park project
Enlightening pictures show the progress being made at a leisure centre project
Historic treasures have been discovered while contractors work at the site of a new multi-million pound leisure centre.
Sheet piling is currently being installed at Bransbury Park as contractors, Willmott Dixon, start focusing on the main phase of construction following months of preparatory work.
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These sheet piles will be pushed deep into the ground and will interlock with each other to form a barrier that keeps groundwater out while construction takes place. In a Portsmouth City Council update, this step has been described as “essential” due to the close proximity of the sea, and once they are in place, they will support the structure.
During the initial stages of construction, workers have also unearthed “some goodies” in the form of glass bottles marked Brickwood & Co, Portsmouth - a prominent local brewery that operated between 1763 and 1983.
It is understood that Fanny Brickwood purchased the Cobden Arms Brewery, in Arundel Street, in 1851, and by the 1880s, her grandsons had made it into one of the largest breweries in the region.
In an update to its email bulletin subscribers the council said “we can’t be sure how long this has been in the ground but it's still pretty cool.”
The update has also said temporary foundations are being established at the site to create larger officers for the contractors while they carry out the project, which is expected to be completed by next winter.
Once the project is finished, the new Bransbury Park centre, which will cost approximately £22 million, will be equipped with a 25m four lane pool, a learner pool, gym, studios, a GP surgery and a relocated play area.
The playground contractors, Reds Builders, set up their compound in the south-west corner of the park back in February and have made significant progress at the play area, which will feature a climbing frame, quiet areas, sensory elements and new planting.
In an update to its email bulletin subscribers the council added: “The park is progressing well and we’re now moving into the final stages. New grass areas will be laid from next week, and it’s important these are given time to properly establish so they stay safe and in good condition. Opening too early could damage them and lead to further closures.
“We’re also waiting for the final play feature, a train carriage, to be delivered and installed before the surfacing in that area can be completed.
“Taking this into account, we’re aiming to open the park ahead of the summer holidays so families can enjoy it over the break. Thanks for your patience while we finish these last details.”