Volunteers who restored historic machinery at Portsmouth’s Eastney Engine Houses say they’ve been locked out without notice, despite playing a key role in keeping the Victorian site operational.
The dedicated team spent years bringing derelict equipment back to working order at the Eastney Engine Houses, which form part of Portsmouth City Museums and include the 1904 Gas Engine House.
Following extensive restoration work by volunteer engineers, the historic machinery was returned to operational status after years of abandonment. Until May 2024, members of the public could observe the engines in action whilst learning about their industrial heritage.
The volunteer group maintained a presence at the site for up to nine days monthly, hosting public demonstrations with working machinery displays five times each month.
However, since May 2024, public access has been restricted to a single static viewing day per month, with volunteers prohibited from running the engines. In early 2025, Portsmouth Council replaced the site’s locks without prior warning or discussion, completely preventing volunteer access.
The team states that the Council’s Health and Safety Unit had previously authorised arrangements allowing them to work independently without direct oversight. A designated site manager had been installed, safety protocols established, and public access arrangements were risk-assessed and approved in 2019.
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The Grade II-listed building dates from the 1880s and served as a Victorian pumping station, housing original Boulton Watt beam engines and associated pumping equipment.
Difficulties arose when Portsmouth Museums withdrew the appointed manager, stating that their own “safety checks, competency checks and risk assessments” required updating. Despite these assurances, no replacement manager has been installed, risk assessments remain unsigned, and public demonstrations continue suspended more than a year later.
Volunteers completed council-sponsored training in October 2024 and had previously submitted comprehensive Safety Management System documentation in 2022, but report receiving no feedback.
One team member branded the training a “waste of time, money and resources” given the lack of subsequent progress. The council has acknowledged there is “no implication that volunteers are doing anything inappropriate.”
A council representative confirmed the Eastney Engine Houses hold “historical significance” and that volunteers were informed in May 2024 of a “temporary pause” in machinery operation and unaccompanied site access following personnel changes and safety reviews. Volunteer access became conditional on staff supervision, with restrictions on power tool use and solo machinery operation, reflecting “standard museum practice.”
The spokesperson noted volunteers continue participating in monthly maintenance sessions and open days. While risk assessments were declined by a volunteer team member in March, the council maintains commitment to finding a “constructive way forward.”
Plans are progressing to appoint a “qualified lead engineer” to ensure safety standards, assist volunteers, and “increase public access and learning opportunities,” with thanks expressed for volunteers’ “dedication.”
