How Gunwharf Quays will look after its £45m transformation

The outlet shopping complex, owned by Landsec, has recently submitted plans to transform the waterfront area of the site, adjacent to Spinnaker Tower.

This forms phase four of a £45m investment plan, which aims to “reinforce its status as the UK's leading waterfront outlet destination and curate a place unlike anywhere else in the country”.

Yvonne Clay, centre director at Gunwharf Quays, said: “This is an incredibly special year for us. As Gunwharf Quays celebrates 25 years and Portsmouth marks 100 years of city status, it feels like the perfect moment to look ahead, as well as reflect on all we have achieved.

“For a quarter of a century, Gunwharf Quays has been part of Portsmouth’s identity - welcoming millions of guests, supporting local communities, and helping to showcase this incredible waterfront city. These plans for the Waterfront represent our commitment to investing in the next 25 years of the destination.

“We are shaping a harbour-side experience unlike anywhere else in the UK – one that fully embraces our waterfront setting, attracts best-in-class brands, and creates a vibrant, high-quality place for our guests to spend time.

"If our submission is approved, this transformation will cement Gunwharf Quays’ position as the UK’s leading waterfront outlet destination, that complements the city’s proud heritage and exciting future, for decades to come.”

Tim Treadwell, Head of Retail Portfolio at Landsec, added: “Landsec outlet destinations continue to perform strongly, with Gunwharf Quays a best-in-class example of the growing demand for outlet shopping in a premium, experience-led environment.

"This next phase of investment at Gunwharf Quays will ensure it continues to attract more of the world’s best brands and further grow its appeal as an unrivalled all day out destination.”

Waterfront works (Phase Four)

The latest proposals focus on refreshing the waterfront area and aim to “unify the waterfront design and improve circulation, creating a more coherent, accessible, and legible environment”.

The waterfront is made up of the north and south promenade buildings, which currently house many of the site’s bars and restaurants.

The north promenade includes Wagamama, Bella Italia and Slug & Lettuce, while the south promenade features All Bar One.

The plan is to connect these two buildings by introducing a “unified terrace that bridges over Vernon Avenue, physically and visually connecting the buildings to create a cohesive waterfront destination”.

The south promenade building would also gain a second-floor terrace or balcony.

“Collectively, these elements improve connectivity, increase usable external space, and reinforce the overall architectural coherence of the development”.

Plans also include a new public staircase and lift to improve accessibility.

The changes are intended to support the arrival of new restaurants and leisure brands.

If planning permission is approved, works are planned to commence in early 2027.

Central Square works (Phase Three)

Central Square is the main arrival point from the basement car park and sits at the heart of the complex.

Plans, which have already been approved by Portsmouth City Council, include splitting the former Eden nightclub into three new food and drink venues.

A large digital screen will also be installed. It is expected to show live events such as Wimbledon and Sail Portsmouth, as well as advertising.

The solid canopy above the first-floor walkway will be replaced with a lighter, brighter design to improve the pedestrian experience.

Planning applications were submitted in late 2024 and approved. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.

Marlborough Square (Phase Two)

Work is already under way at Marlborough Square, which serves as an entrance from the pedestrian tunnel linking The Hard and Portsmouth Harbour railway station.

The upgrades will improve the arrival experience for visitors coming from the station or the Historic Dockyard.

They will also create a larger retail unit for existing brands including M&S, Crew Clothing and Cornish Bakery.

The approved plans also include improvements to shopfronts, landscaping, public spaces, seating, and guest washroom facilities, as well as updates to the exterior appearance of buildings.

The work is due to finish in the summer of 2026.

The Avenues (Phase One)

The Avenues redevelopment was completed in mid-2025 and is now open to the public.

This area acts as the main shopping arcade, with brands ranging from Polo Ralph Lauren to New Balance.

A refreshed design scheme has been introduced, including new flooring, upgraded finishes, new street furniture, soft landscaping, and more accessible spaces have also been added to improve the overall visitor experience.