Projects
Explore Portland Smartphone App
This project is about a map and location based smartphone App, that will guide both locals and tourists around the Isle of Portland, via set routes. Information will be provided along the route depending on the user’s location. This information could be a mixture of on- screen visual information, and potentially, in the form audio narratives. There will also be the option for users to make donations from within the App, targeted at the conservation of the footpaths and the Island in general.
We are currently seeking funding for this project. If you are interested please contact us at our email address or via the Contact page.
Feb 2021 - Ongoing
The White House Project, Grove Portland
The PCP supported a community survey which was conducted online between 25th October and 16 December 2020 with the residents of the Grove and the wider Portland community and received 120 responses.
The Portland Prison and Young Offender Institution and Expia are currently developing a project (working title 'The White House') to see if the Prison Officers Members Club building can be regenerated for community and Prison staff use with the introduction of a café (daytime), licensed social club (evenings), activity hall, meeting room and a venue that would likely attract visitors.
Feb 2021 - Ongoing
Portland Neighbourhood Plan
As a main part of its function in supporting future development of Portland the Partnership has taken a direct role in progressing a Neighbourhood Plan on behalf of the community. As legislation advanced around Neighbourhood Planning an increased role for Parish and Town Councils was developed.
Currently all reporting occurs either through the Town Council's Planning and Highways Committee or Marine, Environment and Tourism Group. PCP members are also now working on supporting the Council as it develops responses to the new Dorset Local Plan.
Jan 2021 - Ongoing
Andy’s interim report Footpaths
The Rangers have completed a new footbridge over the Culverwell stream down by the Lawnsheds at the Bill. They have also improved the Steps behind the Huts down Church Ope Cove. As well as minor improvements under the Grove Cliff at the top part of Zig Zag Path.
I am aware of a small group of people who have called themselves ‘Portland Path Protectors’ and they are quite active doing their little bit to help, particularly of the inland paths. It is really nice to be honest, they seem to meet up regularly for a social walk and litter-pick / Scrub snipping that sort of thing, but this latest Lock-down has precluded them from their meet-ups.
Jan 2021
Eden Portland
The Portland Community Partnership has supported Portland's planned 'Eden project' visitor attraction which is hoping 2021 will be the year the scheme can progress.
The proposed development would bring together the visions of two world-class attraction projects that had been planned for Portland for some time – MEMO and Jurassica.
It would form part of a wider vision for a global network of sites by Eden Project International, an off-shoot of Sir Tim Smit's Eden Project in Cornwall.
Based within a former quarry and mine workings within the tunnels of Albion Stone's Jordans Mine, the vision is to create an extraordinary subterranean visitor experience dedicated to biodiversity.
To learn more about the Eden Portland Project please visit: Eden Portland website
2019 - Ongoing
The Portland Land Trust
The PCP secured funding to progress the initial work and a website was created along with several public meetings to gain feedback and support of the project.
The Underhill Junior school community asset and the Community Economic Development work highlighted the opportunity that the formation of a Community Land Trust could offer. At the same time the benefits of working with Community Land Trusts were recognised by the Local Authorities who procured Wessex Community Assets a social enterprise to start supporting groups.
The Portland Community Land Trust was formed in January 2018 and has identified a number of sites on the Island which it wishes to progress however although there is substantive funding for Affordable housing announced by Government via Homes England a direct funding stream for Community Land Trusts is not yet clear. The trust is therefore currently looking to Dorset Council's asset disposal programme and potential funding via Housing Associations as a way forward.
2018 - Ongoing
Learning and Living Project
Following the efforts to raise the opportunities that a joined up approach to looking at the Public Estate on Portland could present Dorset County Council commenced a programme of consultation under a programme entitled Learning and Living Community Offer. They were subsequently joined by the Clinical Commissioning Group.
The PCP supported this programme and were supportive in linking outcomes to the Neighbourhood Plan development.
Unfortunately Dorset County Council decided to cessate the initiative leaving the CCG to progress issues around Portland Hospital directly subsequently issuing a report on the Programme. PCP continue to press for spatial and access solutions to figure in the ongoing issue around the future role of the public estate.
2018
Coastal Communities Fund Round 4 success for Chiswell
The successful £50,000 Coastal Community Fund bid submitted by the Portland Coastal Community team, which is part of the PCP, and was undertaken to support Portland businesses, the community and provide a quality visitor infrastructure provision.
The project established new wayfinding signposting in Underhill to guide visitors throughout all parts of the Island and enhance their understanding and experience of Portland, the community and our beautiful environment.
We also replaced the lighting along the promenade, provided new railings, stone benches and undertook a scrub clearance over 3 years.
2017
Over 65 Family Fun Club
The PCP supported the introduction of an Over 65 Family Fun Events Club which take place regularly on Friday's between 12:00 and 14:00 at Osprey Leisure Centre. Transport was arranged for those who had difficulty to and from the club. The £2.00 fee included a lunch, games and activities for the members.
The club focused on social interaction, new relationships and mental and physical health of individuals in the group and included some social events aimed at improving the cognitive function, including memory.
The club has been extremely successful and contributed to the overall wellbeing of members.
2017 - 2019
Portland Economic Vision Board
In April 2015 the PCP undertook a public call addressed to Businesses and appropriate Community Groups led to an initial business breakfast at which the idea of a Business Led Vision group was proposed. This led to a number of individuals coming forward to support this and these are currently reflected in the Economic Vision Board Membership.
Rubicon regeneration were appointed as consultants and during May/June 2015 discussions took place with members and others about the focus for an Economic Vision.
2015 - Ongoing
Underhill Junior School – Asset of Community Value
During 2014-15 Weymouth and Portland Borough Council progressed their 'Working with You' - initiative which looked at interventions in the deprived wards of the Borough. On Portland Underhill was included . This initiative was supported by Dorset County Council. The re-organisation of schools on Portland meant that a number of these became redundant and the PCP were keen that these community assets were used in a planned manner to address some of the issues that had been identified . Within the action plan the PCP was shown as working with Dorset Council on Underhill Junior and Brackenbury infants however in early 2015 PCP were advised that Underhill Junior had been offered for sale following Cabinet approval.
PCP knew that it would be difficult to counter this offer but felt that it was appropriate to progress a Community Asset Registration to highlight the opportunities that could have been pursued which it hoped would inform future decision making.
2014 - 2015
Spirit of Portland
A multi-community-based festival celebrating the unique culture and maritime heritage of Portland.
The Spirit of Portland Festival is usually a 10 day mainly free events organised by Portland Community Partnership and supported by the town council.
The festival is part of a wider tourism strategy to raise the island’s profile. It started in 2013, developing ideas from Revive Portland and building on the success of 2012 Olympic events.
Events are currently cancelled during 2020 and into 2021.
A new Spirit of Portland is likely to commence in 2021/2022.
2013 - 2019
Portland Blue Butterfly Project
βββOn 27 July 2012. 2,692 handmade blue butterflies was placed all over the High Angle Battery in Portland as part of 'Doldrum's Lair'.
To celebrate the unique Cretaceous Silver Studded Blue Butterfly which is only found in Portland, local artists and members of the public came together to create a butterfly to represent every young inhabitant of Portland.
This project was part of Battle for the Winds, which was managed by Activate Performing Arts in partnership with Portland Community Partnership and formed part of the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Doldrum's Lair project is kindly funded by the Arts Council.
2012