New transport interchange opens in Gosport
By Connor Steel
A NEW transport interchange has officially opened for the public in Gosport Town Centre after one year of development in conjunction with Hampshire County Council; thus marking a big step in a re-generation project to improve the town’s waterfront space and allowing the previous Bus Station building to be “fully demolished” after over fifty years of service.
The building was opened on Wednesday morning (October 9) with all buses entering and leaving the “cylinder” shaped facility during the morning commute. Plans have been in place since before the Covid-19 pandemic and feature a huge turning area for buses alongside an electronic screen at the entrance; which is near to the peaceful Falklands Gardens.
First Bus have said that E1 / E2 routes will leave from Stand A and Stand B respectively; whilst the 9 / 9A service is set to depart from Stand D. Route 5 buses are due to leave from Stand E and the 11 route will be stationed at Stand F with no timetable changes planned until this winter period; whilst a short statement from First can be read online on this link.
This means that the two-storey bus station on The Esplanade has been closed permanently and the “eyesore” building will be prepared for demolition over the coming weeks. A small number of businesses have moved to other areas in the borough and work will begin on safely taking down this old building; a job that is expected to take around three months.
The L-shape complex was first opened in the 1970s and has seen thousands of people / visitors every week; providing a link between the region and Portsmouth. It had great links to the Gosport Ferry and provided a protection from heavy rain or poor weather; whilst providing much needed office space on its second floor and was home to small companies.
It is hoped that this site will be replaced with a new space called the People’s Park, which is planned to boost food and drink ventures alongside great views of the Harbour. These plans were released earlier this summer and they received a positive reaction from locals; who believed that it should be a positive step forward and boost visitors across Gosport.
Hampshire County Councillors have confirmed that their resurfacing works have now finished and access into the High Street from South Cross Street has reopened to permitted vehicles; including for emergencies and deliveries. However they have also said that Coates Road car park will continue to remain closed until newer improvements are completed.
PICTURED BY CONNOR STEEL: New transport interchange seen early on Tuesday evening as it prepares for launch.