Uncovering History: Heritage Finds at Portsmouth & Southsea Station

At EDGE. Design & Fit Out, every project tells a story, but at Portsmouth & Southsea Station, we’ve quite literally been uncovering history.

As part of the ongoing fit-out works, the careful removal of modern finishes has revealed a series of beautiful original features hidden within the fabric of the building. Most notably, a run of historic brick archways has been exposed above the existing openings, showcasing the craftsmanship of the station’s original construction.

Alongside this, we’ve uncovered original timber roof structures, as well as sections of original plasterwork and decorative cornice detailing, offering a glimpse into the building’s historic interior character and level of finish.

Further works have revealed arched window openings and structural features, previously concealed behind later alterations. At floor level, remnants of original stone tile skirtings and floor finishes have also been identified, adding another layer to the building’s heritage story.

These discoveries not only enhance the visual interest of the space but also help inform our design approach, ensuring a careful balance between modern functionality and preservation of original character.

At EDGE, we take pride in working sensitively within heritage environments. Findings like these allow us to celebrate and retain original features, integrating them into the final design wherever possible.

This project is a great example of how considered fit-out can enhance a building’s past—bringing new life to a space while respecting its history.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the works progress.