Council approves progress for public realm projects
GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL have approved progressing a package of priority public realm projects, as part of the next steps in delivering Local Regeneration Fund (central Government-funded) improvements to the town’s historic waterfront.
An Economic Regeneration & Skills Board held last Thursday (July 16) considered proposals to start detailed technical designs; which forms the first phase of the wider masterplan for the 4.4km waterfront that was started three years ago.
In 2023 Gosport Borough Council was successfully awarded £18m from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund to help improve the town’s historic waterfront. A total £11m of this is being spent on renovating the Rum Store building at Victoria Quay and this has been match funded by UK Docks, whilst £6.9m is allocated to deliver a programme of public realm improvements.
The proposals sit within the Historic Gosport Waterfront Public Realm Masterplan, a long term vision for enhancing the stretch of waterfront from the former Haslar Hospital and Submarine Museum in the south to Hardway in the north. It sets out improvements to the streets, walkways and open spaces that make up the waterfront’s public realm; all of which shape how residents / visitors move around and experience the area.
The masterplan was shared with residents during public engagement in late 2025, attracting 349 survey responses and more than 140 attendees at in person events. Feedback highlighted a clear appetite for better wayfinding, improved pedestrian connections, more welcoming spaces and enhancements that celebrate Gosport’s heritage and waterfront identity.
With the design principles already agreed, councillors approved progressing the Phase 1 projects to RIBA Stage 4 (technical design). This will allow the Council’s design team to develop the detailed proposals needed to prepare the schemes for delivery. Final designs, costs and delivery plans will be brought back to the Board in November for consideration.
Why Phase 1? The Council has secured Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) capital funding to deliver the first phase of improvements. This funding does not cover the full masterplan, so priority areas have been selected based on public feedback and what is achievable within the current budget.
The wider masterplan remains the long term vision for the waterfront. It provides a clear framework for future funding bids, ensuring additional projects can be brought forward as further investment becomes available. Phase 1 priority projects include:
Wayfinding and interpretation signage: New signage is aimed to cover area from Haslar to Hardway to help residents and visitors navigate the waterfront; thus allowing them to discover heritage and cultural stories.
A welcoming gateway at the ferry port: This involves creating a high-quality arrival experience through improvements to the High Street gateway, Falkland Gardens and the surrounding public realm, making it easier for visitors to navigate the town centre.
Royal Clarence Yard public realm improvements: This covers an accessible viewing platform via Victoria Quay, improved pedestrian access from Mumby Road and enhancements such as seating and interpretation to support year round use.
Millennium Sundial improvements: Landscaping, seating and lighting will be improved to draw visitors south towards the Submarine Museum.
Vertipools community led project: Artificial rockpools will be placed along the seawall to support marine life and help people explore local wildlife.
Councillor Zoe Huggins, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: “We’re embarking on an exciting programme to reinvigorate our waterfront for residents and tourists alike. These initial projects will increase footfall, attract new visitors, and make the waterfront a more enjoyable and accessible place to spend time.”
She continued to say: “In turn this will help unlock more confidence and investment in our town.” Our wider masterplan sets out our longer-term vision, and we’ll continue to seek more funding to deliver more projects along the waterfront over the years to come.”
The masterplan sets out an ambitious, phased approach to improving the waterfront over the short, medium and long term. While Phase 1 focuses on what can be delivered now, the wider vision remains in place to ensure that Gosport is ready to secure future funding and bring further improvements forward as opportunities arise.
PICTURED BY WOBBLESNAPS: A series of tower blocks loom over a rarely quiet area of Gosport Waterfront (before the demolition of Gosport Bus Station).
