Fair Ways 'proud' to unveil Phoenix carving as permanent feature in Gunwharf Quays as part of its Phoenix Journey project
Wooden Phoenix carving to be unveiled at Gunwharf
A Phoenix installation representing the resilience and hope of care-experienced people will be unveiled as a permanent feature in Gunwharf this week.
Shoppers were able to get a glimpse of the Phoenix at a live carving event at the shopping centre in April but the finished product will now be unveiled on Friday, May 29 at 1.15pm. The carving is from the children’s services charity Fair Ways and is part of its Phoenix Journey project which is a new walking trail dedicated to shining a light on care-experienced people from Portsmouth.
The artwork will become a permanent installation outside The Old Customs House to provide ongoing visibility for for both the Phoenix Journey and Fair Ways within one of Portsmouth’s most prominent public locations.
Mac McHugh, CEO of Fair Ways, said: "The Phoenix Journey represents resilience, hope, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, recover, and thrive. Seeing the community engage so positively with the project has been incredibly powerful, and we are proud to have this installation become a permanent part of Portsmouth.”
The new outdoor walking trail will open at Hilsea Lines in late 2026 and will feature a series of handcrafted wooden installations. It is being designed to celebrate stories of resilience, hope and the achievements of care-experienced people. Fair Ways want the trail to be a blend of nature, art and storytelling into a “meaningful” route for route for families, schools and the wider community.
At the unveiling, Portsmouth City Council Leader Steve Pitt and Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin will be speaking alongside Mac McHugh.
Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, commented: “The live carving event in April was a huge success, so we are delighted to officially unveil the Phoenix as it becomes a permanent fixture here at Gunwharf Quays. We encourage our guests to come and see the carving on display over the coming months and to learn more about the inspiring Phoenix Journey.”
The Fair Ways Phoenix Journey is a project between Fair Ways, Portsmouth City Council and Gunwharf Quays. More information can be found at https://www.fairways.co/phoenix-journey/