Two new eye-catching murals inspired by Gosport’s rich nautical history are set to be unveiled in the town.

A colourful design depicting Gosport’s HMS Alliance submarine, ropes, chains and propellers will wrap the waterfront side of the bus station. And a bright and bold image including local landmarks will be installed in the town centre – on the corner between the High Street and South Cross Street.

The murals are part of a wider programme of improvement works being undertaken by the council. The improvement works are supported by £215,000 of funding from the Welcome Back Fund. The fund aims to encourage people to return safely to the high street and give a much-needed boost to communities and businesses after the impact of the pandemic.

Cllr Graham Burgess, Leader of the Council, said: “These public murals will be fantastic additions to the esplanade and town centre – a celebration of Gosport, our history, heritage and communities. The pandemic has had a huge impact on our individual lives and the town’s businesses so it’s vital we invest in our public spaces, like the high street and waterfront, and give people good reasons to get out and about. We want to embrace the future of the high street and give a boost to businesses – that is what the Welcome Back Fund is all about. This is a fantastic start to an ambitious programme of improvements in Gosport.”

Work on the bus station mural began last week and the city centre mural is due to get underway on 23 March. They should both be complete by early April.