I was undecided so I went to Commercial Road to take a look for myself and also to take part in the City Council's consultation exercise held on January 9 and 10 in a caravan nearby. The fountain is in need of refurbishment: the figures need a good clean; the plaques are unreadable and the concrete plinth is dirty and worn. I'm told that the figures were made from moulds which were found by former City Architect, Ken Norrish, in a South London junk shop and date from the Festival of Britain. Surely we can move on from 1951!! The whole structure is dwarfed by the buildings which surround it and therefore lacks presence as a City Centre landmark.
The fountain requires daily attention to keep it free of litter, chewing-gum and soapsuds. It does, however, provide a useful meeting point, somewhere to sit, and a place of endless fascination for young children. The fountain has a place in the hearts of the people of Portsmouth.
The Pen - the proposed replacement
So, what about the proposed pen which would be placed on the site of the fountain? Personally I like it - it's sleek, it will be visible from a way off and will work as a meeting-point. Granted, it does not have the same fascination for children as the fountain, but those clever people at the PCC together with artist Peter Codling have worked to create a linear alternative. A stream of deep blue coloured tiles will follow the length of the Arundel Street pedestrian area to represent the former canal and, yes, there will be a water feature at Slindon Street junction (outside U-Need-Us). Young and old will want to explore the artworks and that's the aim of the exercise - to bring some life to the place!
In celebrating local authors and archaeology we have a welcome alternative to our nautical heritage and for those who talk of about the cost, this is investment in the city centre which will attract people and businesses who would not otherwise come here.
Possible new sites for the fountain
Back to the fountain - if has to be kept where shall we put it? What about Gunwharf? Berkeley's could fund the move and refurbishment as a goodwill gesture and by placing it near the retail outlets they will attract many Pompey folk just to see it. How about putting it at the northern end of Commercial Road? This rather dull spot and needs some livening-up. Then there are the acres of concrete and tarmac at Clarence Pier (near where the car enthusiasts congregate) with the added bonus of Southsea Town Council to look after it. And finally, the summit of Mount Paulsgrove (the landscaped rubbish mountain behind Port Solent) is crying out for a feature and this would be visible to everyone passing by on the M27 and M275. Children will love to clamber up the slopes to see the water and get good exercise at the same time. Yes, this one gets my vote!
Addendum : The City Council announced in late January that the fountain is to remain in its present location.
John Holland