Waterlooville North Precinct Strategic Project

The Waterlooville Northern Gateway Project began as a Liveability scheme in 2005. Following delays and problems with implementing the whole enhancement scheme, it was decided to progress the gateway feature only at this time. The rest of the project will be delivered as part of a larger package that will improve more of the London Road pedestrian precinct at a future date when more funding can be obtained.

Detail obelisk London Rd

Obelisks designed by Bruce Williams

The gateway feature – two granite obelisks – has been installed at the northern end of the precinct between The Heroes pub and Fabric Warehouse. A local historian was consulted about the images, which include some based on the battle of Waterloo and the encampment of the returning soldiers which gave the town its name.

 

The two 5 metre tall columns were designed to give the northern end of the pedestrian area a new focal point. This will provide a gateway to the shopping precinct and to encourage more use of the town centre, which in turn will support businesses and the local economy.

 

 

 Bruce Williams final photo

The obelisks have been installed into the existing grass area, but in time they will sit within an improved hard landscaped area with feature lighting and new street furniture to create an enhanced pedestrian environment at the northern end of the precinct.

 London Rd obelisks Waterlooville

Each of the four sides of the columns have images that depict the history of the town and its links with the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

  • horses were kept at the stables near The Heroes pub
  • the wheel shows that Waterlooville was a stopping-off point on the road to London from Portsmouth
  • oak leaves represent the dense woodland that once covered the area
  • and hops were used to make the beer for The Heroes pub
 Obelisk 1 Waterlooville TC
  • detail of a feathered hat from the Duke of Wellington's historic collection
  • ropes were used to put up the tents
  • the sea depicts the soldiers' journey across the Solent
  • and the tent represents the encampment of Wellington's soldiers.
 Obelisk 1 Waterlooville TC
Under construction August 2009 Obelisks being erected August 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Gov UK
Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX