Renovation of Gosport Police Station a “statement of intent”, says crime commissioner
The renovation of Gosport Police Station has been described as a “statement of intent”.
Police and crime commissioner Donna Jones visited the site on South Street earlier today with Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage to see first-hand the work undertaken to restore the dilapidated building to its former glory. Demolition of the old section houses began two weeks ago.
Their removal will create more parking space for police operational vehicles which will help officers respond more quickly to incidents.
Ms Jones said: “I’m really pleased to be able to see work finally get underway. This rebuild will make it fit to face the challenges of the modern world.
“It’s going be a really important police station in the police estate and, for the people of Gosport, it’s no less than they deserve.
“I’ve made it clear to communities across both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that I am committed to opening more front counters and increasing police visibility. The work taking place here epitomises that.
“Reopening this station will not only ensure members of the public have access to a front counter, it’s going to be a brilliant base for some of the bravest men and women in our communities to be working from.
“This state-of-the-art station will enable them to do their jobs to the best of their ability and continue delivering great results for the people of Gosport. I want people to feel safer in the knowledge police officers are on hand to catch criminals and get them off our streets.”
The main building, which closed over eight years ago, is not being demolished. Ms Jones said the “run down” building is “no longer fit for purpose” so is being fully refurbished to include a front counter and welcoming space for visiting members of the public.
It will also feature one-to-one rooms, locker rooms, resources rooms, interview rooms, and a kitchen/staff room. Once complete, it will house key policing teams including Neighbourhood Policing, CID and District Policing.
Dame Caroline said: “This is such a huge boost to everyone living and working on the Gosport peninsular. This station is vital for people to know that officers will be on hand when they’re needed most.
“The police here do a remarkable job, which you can see from the reduction of crime rates, but to have their own dedicated building with all these fantastic facilities and the space for the Rapid Response Team is going to make such a difference.”
Her thoughts were echoed by former police officer, Gosport Borough Councillor Cllr Lesley Meenaghan: “I worked here with my father. It was a wonderful place to be.
“The station’s closure was heart-breaking so to see it being brought back to life is very special, not only for my family, but for the community as a whole.
“For me, the most overwhelming thing about getting this station back is that we will have a building that can been seen as a beacon of safety in our town.”
The project is extensive and will run throughout 2026. Ms Jones has already reopened eight front counters and, in July, announced three more are being created in Shanklin, Bishop’s Waltham and Alton as part of her plan to bring police closer to communities and deliver excellent local policing.