End of the road for ‘unique’ Gosport pop-up shop

A SHORT-TERM ‘one of a kind’ Gosport town centre shop, which opened in early February, is nearing the end of its run after just six months; the project created to continue the presence of the Gosport Gallery in the community while its home at the Old Grammar School (as seen above) continues to be refurbished.

But with the opening of the new Gosport Museum and Art Gallery draws closer after work costing £1.5 million, the shop located in Gosport High Street and reviewed by the Globe when it opened, will close its door at the end of August. No date has been set at the time of writing for its closure.

During its seven-month period of opening, the shop has been a celebration of talented people within the community, supporting 29 artists, creatives and makers, giving them a space in which to sell their handmade products and artworks. For the majority, this is the first time that they have had the opportunity to sell their products in a formal retail space.

The shop has received a vast amount of positive feedback from both the public and creatives. And it has opened its doors to a total of 4,684 people, including Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, who is a regular visitor and supporter of the scheme. This includes people across all ages including families and youngsters.

The space was not just used for retail, it has also held 66 community exhibitions as well as family craft activities during school holidays, making it a great community location.

And the refurbished Gosport Museum and Art Gallery, which opens in the autumn once artefacts and items from the pop-up store have been safely moved, will have a retail area where local creatives will be able to showcase and sell their products.

PICTURED BY GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL: Gosport Museum and Gallery before the refurbishment that has been undertaken during the spring and summer.