https://www.lda-design.co.uk/kindling/news/a-new-chapter-for-gosport-waterfront/

  Steve Wenham

Link  to planning application validated 22 Sep 2025: 25/00294/GR3 | CONSTRUCTION OF PART SINGLE / PART TWO-STOREY BUILDINGS TO COMPRISE COMMERCIAL UNITS (CLASS E) WITH ASSOCIATED ROOF TERRACES, LANDSCAPING AND SERVICE LAYBY ON THE ESPLANADE (CONSERVATION AREA) | Bus Station South Street Gosport Hampshire PO12 1EP

9.12.25 Decision Notice - same link as above

Update 1st June 2026 from Council leader Cllr Zoe Huggins

A flagship waterfront redevelopment has slipped past its original completion target, as Gosport’s new council leader insists the scheme must not put unsustainable pressure on the authority’s finances.

The People’s Park project in Gosport – at the former bus station site – was due to finish by the end of May 2026 – a date set by the previous Liberal Democrat administration at Gosport Borough Council.

The £7.5 million scheme is set to create a new green space at the site and bring new life to the area.

But Conservative council leader Cllr Zoe Huggins BEM has now confirmed phase one will not be completed until June, with the bandstand pushed back to later in the summer.

The first phase focuses on landscaping and infrastructure at the site, which includes the planting of 20 new trees, shrubs and bulbs.

Cllr Huggins said the waterfront project is an important part of the wider regeneration of Gosport but warned it “must be more than simply a people’s park”.

She said: “We must complete a full cost analysis and options appraisal to ensure the project delivers long-term economic and community benefits for the town while limiting financial risk and burden on the council.”

Phase one includes a new public open space and a bandstand, and is intended to create a stronger gateway into Gosport.

A spokesperson for Gosport Borough Council said that the development is “progressing well” and explained that a “short delay was necessary” for additional surveys to be carried out.

They added: “Once open, the council plans to deliver a summer events programme featuring pop‑up concessions and live music.

“The next phase of the project is being reviewed now that a final design and costings are available.”

Cllr Huggins said there was still “much to consider” for phases two and three, including supporting infrastructure such as toilets, lighting, CCTV, cycle storage, accessibility and wider public realm improvements to ensure the area is safe, welcoming and well used.

She backed the concept of an entertainment and hospitality‑focused waterfront as “a sound one” and said it could create an anchor that is true to Gosport’s waterfront heritage and access.

But she warned the council also had to tackle the wider challenge of increasing footfall and securing a sustainable long-term future for the town centre.

Cllr Huggins called for a joined‑up approach linking housing, jobs, skills, transport connectivity, ferry links, rail and bus services, parking strategy and mixed‑use development on the high street.

Work is ongoing at the site.

Leader insists waterfront regeneration must not break the bank: https://www.gosportconservatives.org/news/leader-insists-waterfront-regeneration-must-not-break-bank

Wall art in Stoke Road by artist My Dog Sighs
Who and what are reflected in the eyes? 
It's Syd Ashby, Holy Trinity Church and The Vine sign

See for real at The Vine Coffee Shop near Waitrose

facebook.com/mydogsighs/ 
 

The Gosport Golden Mile and almost Sunset at Stokes Bay
Photos courtesy of @GosportGM (Xtwitter)

The Golden Mile at Stokes Bay runs between the Inshore Lifeboat Station and No. 2 Battery West Car Park

The Gosport Golden Mile race is an annual event.  All year round the Gosport 545 Run Club is "Here to help anyone and everyone discover & enjoy running"

https://absolute545runclub.uk
 

Car park charges apply every day between 8am and 7pm at the Stokes Bay car parks, so if you're a late evening swimmer or an early bird you can park for free

Gosport Council Car Parks
Here's a link to the list of car parks in Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent giving details www.gosport.gov.uk/carparks