What Are the Hotwalls?
The Hotwalls are located along the harbour entrance in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK, forming part of the Grade I listed and scheduled historic fortifications. The buildings consist of arched casemates constructed from red brick, once used for housing armoury.
Its History:
Starting out as Point Battery and Barracks, The Hotwalls were originally built in the late 15th century during the reign of King Henry VII. They were constructed for defensive purposes as part of the city's fortifications along with the round tower. The primary reason for their construction was to protect Portsmouth from potential naval attacks and invasions, given the city's strategic location as a prominent naval port.
Evolution Over Time:
In the 16th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the Hotwalls continued to play a role in defending the city. However, by the 19th Century, as military technology advanced, the significance of the Hotwalls’ role in defence waned.
Coming into the 20th century, the site endured damage during World War II bombings, but certain structures survived. By the end of the Second World War, the Battery was decommissioned and abandoned. In the 1950s, local artists started selling art from the arches at the weekends, sowing the seeds for the site's future use. The site was purchased by Portsmouth City Council in the 1960s.
Recent developments
In 2014, Portsmouth City Council, the Coastal Communities Fund, and the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire provided funds to refurbish the buildings and turn them into working artists’ studios.
Our client was appointed the task of revitalising the historic site. We were delighted to provide our services to help transform this unique historic space into the destination it has become, loved by locals and tourists alike.
The Work We Did to refurbish the casemates at the Hotwalls
We were responsible for the Restoration and Fit-Out.
The project spanned 14 weeks and was successfully completed in 2016.
Total Project Value: £450,000
The brief was to convert existing open and internal casemates, storage rooms, public toilets, and external spaces into 13 artist studios, a brasserie café, management space, modern public toilets, retail space, stores, and a terrace.
We provided all the internal fabric fit-out works, including laying specialist Kebony flooring, installing bespoke kitchens in the studios, carpentry items, ceramic tiling, final decorations, and constructing a 4-metre-high Oak Pergola. These efforts breathed new life into the historic casemates, transforming them into creative spaces and a destination to attract visitors to the area.
Refurbishing Historical Buildings: Challenges Faced
Building Regulations:
Balancing modern building regulations with the preservation of historic character can pose significant challenges, often requiring creative solutions and compromises. The delicate task of melding the old with the new was expertly navigated to ensure the site complied with modern safety and accessibility standards while preserving its historical charm.
Public and Community Impact:
Considering the potential disruption and impact on the surrounding public space is crucial. Ensuring access to the beach via one of the arches and managing access to the surrounding public space were carefully planned.
Hazardous Materials:
Historic buildings may contain hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos. Safely removing these materials during refurbishment is imperative and necessitates stringent safety measures.
Today at the Hotwalls
Seven years on, since the completion of our refurbishment project, the now repurposed historic casemates have become a thriving visitor attraction in Portsmouth.
The 13 studios that were established have become bustling hubs of creativity. Artists, designers, and craftspeople come together to create. The studio residents host craft courses and open days, drawing visitors to the area.
The brasserie café, named "The Canteen," offers not only delectable food but also a welcoming atmosphere. It has become a destination for celebrations, gatherings, and day-to-day dining. Overlooking the Solent, it provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee.
As Christmas approaches, the Hotwalls markets and craft fairs make this place a must-see. Visitors can find unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere. You can find out what's on here https://hotwallsstudios.co.uk/
We can transform your site or space
At G&E Projects we have a talented team, we are able to provide commercial fit out, refurbishment and building expertise for any project.
With a wealth of experience in transforming buildings of all kinds or completely building from scratch, our experience extends to various sectors, including industrial and warehouse conversions.
We have a proven track record of successful collaborations with council bodies, private commercial sectors, and projects of all scales and types. Whether it's breathing new life into a historic gem or creating something entirely new, we have the knowledge and experience to bring your vision to life. Contact us to find out how we can help.
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