Gates No. 8 and No. 10 to the Western Docks

The two gateways, numbers 8 and 10, were built in a simplified classical style with Moderne detailing. These identical gateways were constructed as access points to the Western Docks. They are narrow in section and feature rectangular, pre-cast concrete block plinths with exposed aggregate and rounded corners. These plinths support rusticated red brick piers, built in English bond with recessed pointing, and designed as pairs of pilasters. The piers carry a broad, flat concrete beam forming an entablature, which has a projecting moulded cornice. Above this are stylised concrete capitals, each with a framed concrete panel displaying the gate and berth number. A non-functional clock, housed in a stepped surround with a square clock face and a hood moulding, is centrally located on each elevation of the entablature. Each gateway is approximately 10 metres high and 18.4 metres wide, measured to the outside of the piers.

The original signage on the front of the entablature read SOUTHERN RAILWAY/DOCKS in metal lettering. Gate 8 now displays ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS, although some of the lettering is missing. Gate 10 displays ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS/PORT OF SOUTHAMPTON. The framed panels display the berth and gate numbers; some original lettering survives on the rear panels of Gate 10.

Initially, three iron piers beneath the entablature divided the space into two pedestrian entrances and two central vehicular entrances, all with iron gates. By 1945, these inner piers on Gate 8 appear to have been removed; the outer piers and gates remain on Gate 10.

A bronzed metal memorial plaque, presented to the Southern Railway by the US Army to commemorate military personnel who embarked from the port during World War II, is affixed to the front face of the northern pier of Gate 8. The inscription reads: 1939-1945/ THIS TABLET WAS PRESENTED TO THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY BY THE / 14TH MAJOR PORT, UNITED STATES ARMY, IN PROUD AND GLORIOUS/ MEMORY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FORCES OF THE/ UNITED NATIONS WHO SAILED FROM THIS PORT DURING THE GREAT/ WAR AGAINST AGGRESSION TO SECURE THE FREEDOM OF MANKIND/ DEO J. MEYER COLONEL TC SHERMAN L KISER COLONEL TC/ DEPUTY PORT COMMANDER PORT COMMANDER. This plaque is included on the UK National Inventory of War Memorials, reference 21625.