Skip to content
CONTACT

Modernising Eastney Beam Engine House with Heritage-Sensitive Electrical Upgrades

IMG_4428

Industry

Local Council

Specification

Eastney Beam Engine House, a cherished heritage site in Portsmouth, required comprehensive electrical upgrades to enhance functionality while preserving its historical integrity. This was a tendered project, where costs and quality were considered.

Dream outcome

The site needed upgrading, with both better lighting, and a new fresh feel. Due to the age to the building, consideration throughout on how we carried out the upgrades were essential.

Key items required.

Lighting Design, Electrical installations, EICR, Emergency lighting , LED conversions

eastneyenginehouses.co.uk
1887
Building was built
2
Boulton Watt engines
$2M
Cost Savings

D Squared have worked with us for over 4 years now and have been great in assisting us with our projects when we have needed them.

Jay Ricketts

Director of JLR Group.

The guys at D Squared have completed a number of electrical jobs for my business. We've been very happy with the price, workmanship and speed of completed work. Happy to recommend them as a company.

Dan Williamson

Director

Have used D Squared twice now for various electrical jobs and would highly recommend them. They are efficient, tidy and courteous. Definitely 5 star service.

Jessica Winter

Property Owner

Great work! Very professional and great value for money!

Duane Bradshaw

Director - Broadway Coffee Roasters UK

P1014191

About your Eastney Pump house

Visit the impressive Victorian buildings, which showcase the marvels of Victorian engineering. Get up close to some impressive machines – some of which date back to 1887 – and have been restored to their original condition.

This site was essential to help with the health of the local residence so holds a strong place in the heart of the people of Portsmouth. 

 

The Challenge

The project involved updating the electrical systems of a Grade II listed building, necessitating strict adherence to preservation guidelines. Key challenges included:

  • Installing new steel conduit and trunking containment systems without compromising historical features.

  • Upgrading power and lighting systems, including feature and emergency lighting, in compliance with modern standards.

  • Modifying existing lighting circuits to incorporate wireless switching while retaining original Bakelite switches as part of the exhibit.

  • Designing and installing a new Star Delta Starter to operate an antique motor exhibit, despite limited design information.

    Thankfully we worked closely with Dextra on this project, who designed and supplied the light fittings.

 

The Solution

D Squared’s approach included:

  • Collaborating with English Heritage to ensure all modifications met preservation requirements.

  • Implementing a new steel trunking and conduit system to support updated wiring needs.

  • Installing Dextra specified track lighting with multiple control functions for general, exhibit, and emergency lighting.

  • Designing a custom solution for the antique motor exhibit, bringing it back to operational status.

 

  Here is Dextra case study about this project.

  https://www.dextragroup.co.uk/projects/eastney-pump-house-museum-portsmouth/

The Results

The project was completed ahead of schedule, achieving:

  • Enhanced lighting and power systems that respect the building’s historical character.

  • Improved visitor experience through better illumination of exhibits.

  • Preservation of historical elements, such as Bakelite switches, as integral parts of the museum display.

  • Successful operation of the antique motor exhibit, adding interactive value to the museum.

 

Ready to get started?

Call to action