Sails of the South Advertising

Portsmouth City Council (The Council) is seeking to procure an advertising solution associated with digital projection advertising at the "Sails of the South" (Tri Sail structure). The Council has a need to update existing non-digital advertising infrastructure and create digital advertising infrastructure on the M275. As a dynamic waterfront city at the heart of South Hampshire, Portsmouth attracts visitor numbers of in excess of 12.4 million per year. The Sails of the South are a prominent 43-metre gateway structure located on the M275 at the primary entrance to Portsea Island. Installed in 2001, the landmark reflects Portsmouth's maritime identity and forms a highly visible feature for vehicles entering the city. The location benefits from significant traffic flow, with approximately 31.4 million vehicle movements per year (c. 86,000 per day), providing a strong advertising proposition in a gateway location. Historically, the structure has supported projection-based advertising, generating income for the Council. However, the previous system is no longer operational, and PCC is now considering options to reintroduce a modern, flexible, and commercially viable digital advertising solution. PCC is considering the installation of a modern projection system comprising: Three high-powered mapping projectors (one per sail) Capability for multiple adverts to be displayed on rotation Remote content management, removing the need for on-site intervention Improved image quality and flexibility compared to previous systems Operation assumed dusk to dawn (approx. 8 hours per night). The system would ideally allow both static and potentially animated content (subject to safety considerations due to the highway setting). The sails provide a large-scale projection surface which functions as a "blank canvas", offering a unique city gateway advertising asset. However, design suitability and safety considerations (e.g. animation levels) will need to be factored into content. Option