Local people are being asked to get involved in a major plan to help transform Gosport town centre.

The council is asking them for their views and ideas, as plans for the future of the market on Gosport High Street are drawn up.

The market has stalls selling clothes, crafts and local produce in the High Street every Tuesday and Saturday. 

Plans include building on the successful core group of traders, adding new products, exploring the potential for a new boutique indoor market in a vacant shop, and adding community or cultural events.

Incubator stalls for small first-time traders are also being considered, allowing local artisans to sell their arts and crafts, along with more emphasis on street food.

Residents can take part in a short online survey to say what they think on topics such as:

• whether there should be a greater focus on fresh produce
• whether extended opening hours would be welcome
• whether the market should expand to offer more street food
• whether events and entertainment should be part of the experience
• how local arts and crafts producers could use the market to sell their products
• how young first-time retailers could be supported to use the market as a training ground or test-bed for their products
• whether specialist vintage, crafts or teen-themed markets would be popular
• whether a boutique indoor market on the High Street would be viable

Cllr Mark Hook, Leader of the Council, said: “We have a great traditional market that is a familiar part of the High Street, but we’re wondering if we can bring in new ideas and make sure it appeals to even more people.

“It’s all part of our work to bring new life into the town centre and create new experiences for residents and visitors alike.

“I really hope lots of residents give us their views on the suggestions we’ve come up with for the market, and let us know if they have ideas of their own.”

To have their say, residents should go online before the closing date, 7 October.

The project is part of the Gosport High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, funded by Historic England, and developed by the council and Hampshire Cultural Trust, which runs Gosport Gallery and SEARCH in the Old Grammar School.

For further information about the Gosport High Street Heritage Action Zone programme please see: https://www.gosport.gov.uk/gosport-high-street-heritage-action-zone

Source: Gosport Borough Council