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Report - - Portsdown Main, Portsmouth - Jan 09 | Military Sites | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - Portsdown Main, Portsmouth - Jan 09

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randomnut

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Met up with a few guys from here and other forums, was a really worthwhile explore.

After a mile or so of trekking, we found ourselves right ontop of the site.

Portsdown Main is an impressive art deco style building which dominates the north Portsmouth skyline sitting atop Portsdown Hill. The building was designed back in the 30s but was never actually built until the 50s, eventually housing Admiralty Signals Establishment (ASE) Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE) Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and finally Defence Research Agency (DRA).

The Portsdown Main site was eventually wound down, and by 1st Jan 1997 was considered closed.

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In it's heyday the staircase was always kept polished bright. It would have been quite a sight for any visitior. There were similar sweeping styles on the entrance to each floor
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Notice the wood panneling - the only wood decked lav we found. Wonder whose it was....
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Down in the basement
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Lecture theater:
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Projection room:
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Moving onwards to the staff canteen building, even these had grandiose staircases:
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The staff bar:
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Marry Christmas, but looking at the decor, christmas 1975? :p
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Full set on Flickr

Many thanks to all involved, was a great explore. This has been on my list since the beginning of time so it feels great to have finally seen it.
 
Last edited:
L

looking4sumit

Guest
Guest
Re: Portsdown Main, Portsmouth - Jan 09 REPORT

A few different shots -at the time of posting. Looking at Google Earth two very large buildings gone already, and plant on site!

on the roof
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on the balcony S side
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warranty claim on the decorator! spot the cost hanger
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lunch
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