Proposals unveiled for bus station demolition work

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL have unveiled new proposals to help transform the site waterfront in the town centre as they continue their scheme to regenerate key areas around the ferry terminal; which has so far included the creation of a new transport hub and taxi rank as well as the development of a bus ‘access route’ travelling within the high street.

Work is ongoing to create the transport hub near to the Falklands Gardens area and includes a sheltered cylinder style structure; which has been erected over multiple months with a number of bus spaces and is soon going to be equipped with a digital screen. This replaces the former ‘taxi rank’ that has been opened in a nearby spot within walking distance.

There was however uncertainty about the current double-storey bus station and ‘future uses’, particularly as it occupies prime land beside Portsmouth Harbour. It was first built in 1972 as a L-shape complex and has recently been described as “ugly and outdated” by campaigners, who have pushed Gosport Borough Council to make better use of its Gateway.

Councillors have since applied for planning permission that would see the current bus station area demolished as soon as the new facility is fully in use. It is believed that this could be completed by late-November and work will start shortly afterwards by constructors if approved; a task that is due to take three months and would be completed by ‘early 2025’.

Concrete and brick will then be incorporated into a new development called the People’s Park; which proposes a fresh bandstand area, office space and waterfront food / drink facilities according to a statement within their application. This will give visitors great views of the harbour area and the marina, whilst also creating jobs and helping local businesses.

These plans were published on the Gosport Borough Council last week (August 22) and although no comments can be submitted at this time; two Globe readers gave a mixed reaction to the plan. One said they were “happy that something exciting is coming” whilst another asked if there “were better ways to generate income or visitors to this great borough.”

Readers can explore the current proposals and future updates by visiting the council’s planning portal site. The code is listed as 24/00278/DEMO for all documentation; including maps, photographs, presentations and the legal frameworks.

PICTURED BY ALAMY (BRY2F1): Bus station will be demolished if the planning permission is approved by November.