Have your say on the future of Gosport town centre and waterfront

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Have your say on the future of Gosport town centre and waterfront

Local residents, businesses and organisations can help shape the future of Gosport’s town centre and waterfront.

They can have their say on a proposed new blueprint for the area, which outlines how the council would like it to develop over the next 12 years or more.

Our vision is of a more vibrant and attractive area, given new life by high-quality development, using its marine and historic assets to attract new investors and visitors.

Goals include more jobs and homes, new shops, new places to eat and drink, more public access, and new cultural and community facilities. Under-used and derelict sites would be brought into use, and public pride in the town would get a boost.

People are being invited to comment on the proposed blueprint, called the Gosport Waterfront and Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). At this stage it is only a draft, to be finalised once all comments have been received.

We will then use it to help decide planning applications and show private developers and landowners what opportunities are available.

A major part of the vision is the creation of a new transport interchange to replace the bus station, including a landmark building, while preserving and enhancing the Falkland Gardens.

Cllr Stephen Philpott, Chairman of the council’s Economic Development Board, said:

“We have an exciting vision for these very important areas of the borough.

The waterfront is a major gateway, and we need to make sure it’s as attractive as it can be. We also need more public access, so everyone can enjoy as much of it as possible.

The SPD is a vision of how the town can be a more prosperous, more enjoyable place, which makes the most of its amazing setting and impressive heritage.

The council doesn’t have the power to do everything on its own. It’s a major landowner, but many important sites are in private ownership, and most schemes in the document will ultimately be funded by private developers.

The SPD is designed to show landowners and developers the kind of proposals we’d like to see them put forward.

It’s important for local people to take the opportunity to have their say on the vision for the area.”

You can read a summary of the SPD or the full document using the link above. Or you can see a paper copy at a library or at the Town Hall (ask at reception).

To make comments, use the link above or pick up a paper form at a library or at the Town Hall.

There will also be an exhibition at Gosport Discovery Centre from 3 July, with regular drop-in events where council officers will be available. For dates use the link above.

You can email the team working on the SPD, or call 023 9254 5458.

The closing date for comments is 19 September.