Fair Ways Phoenix Takes Flight at Gunwharf Quays

Around 50 guests gathered at Gunwharf Quays on Friday 29th May to celebrate the official unveiling of the Fair Ways Phoenix, marking an exciting milestone in the growing Phoenix Journey project.

The event took place outside The Old Customs House and brought together supporters, partners, local leaders and members of the community to witness the unveiling of the striking wooden sculpture, which now stands proudly as a permanent feature in one of Portsmouth’s most visited destinations.

Guests heard from Fair Ways Managing Director, Gareth Webb, Leader of Portsmouth City Council Steve Pitt, Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin and representatives from Gunwharf Quays, all of whom spoke about the importance of the project and the positive impact it is already having across the city.

The unveiling follows the successful live carving event held at Gunwharf Quays in April, where visitors watched the sculpture take shape before their eyes. Throughout the carving process, hundreds of people stopped to learn more about the Phoenix Journey, its connection to care-experienced young people, and the powerful stories of resilience and hope that inspire the project.

The completed Phoenix now serves as a lasting symbol of strength, recovery and new beginnings. It also offers a glimpse into the wider Phoenix Journey, an ambitious outdoor walking trail currently being developed by Fair Ways as part of the wider Hilsea Lido regeneration project.

When completed in late 2026, the Phoenix Journey will feature a series of handcrafted wooden sculptures set within the beautiful surroundings of Hilsea Lines. Each installation will tell a unique story of resilience, perseverance and personal growth, creating an inspiring route for families, schools and visitors to explore.

Speaking at the event, Fair Ways Managing Director, Gareth Webb said:

“The Phoenix Journey is all about celebrating resilience, hope and potential. Every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, recover and thrive, and this project shines a light on those journeys. It has been incredible to see the support from the community and we are delighted that the Phoenix now has a permanent home here at Gunwharf Quays.”

Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, added:

“The live carving event captured the imagination of so many of our guests, and it has been wonderful to see the finished Phoenix unveiled. We are proud to host this beautiful sculpture and help share the inspiring story behind the Phoenix Journey with the thousands of people who visit Gunwharf Quays each year.”

The Phoenix installation represents another significant step forward for the Phoenix Journey, which continues to grow through the support of partners, funders and local communities across Portsmouth.

As an award-winning children’s services charity, Fair Ways supports hundreds of children, young people and families every year through fostering, education, residential care and family support services. Through projects such as the Phoenix Journey, Fair Ways aims to celebrate the achievements of care-experienced young people, challenge perceptions and help build a more compassionate, resilient and trauma-informed community.

The Phoenix can now be visited outside The Old Customs House at Gunwharf Quays, where it will continue to inspire conversations about resilience, hope and the power of new beginnings.