Major update on vision for new shops, bars and restaurants overlooking Portsmouth Harbour and Gunwharf Quays
Plans have been approved that could see new shops, bars, and restaurants at Gosport’s waterfront.
Members of Gosport Borough Council’s regulatory board has paved the way for the new venues after approving plans for a set of modern, low-rise buildings at the site of the former bus station next to the Gosport Ferry terminal.
The Waterfront Pavilion masterplan shows that the buildings will face out over Portsmouth Harbour towards Gunwharf Quays and are walking distance to Gosport’s high street.
Demolition work is already being carried out at the bus station with work starting on the new buildings and a ferry ticket kiosk starting in the new year.
This second phase of the council’s regeneration plans for the 3,800 square metre site will see two buildings that wrap around two sides of the open public space in place of the former bus station.
The main building will be 60 metres by 13 metres and will be part single and part two-storey, and will have five commercial units, which could be used for bars, restaurants or shops. These are set to open in summer 2026.
The second smaller building will be 25 by 16 metres will host the ferry ticket office and bike repair hub together with public toilets.
Spaces for bikes will also increase from 88 to 150. There will also be space for the commercial units’ bins.
The revised layout has a lay-by for large lorries to turnaround in.
Councillors agreed new opening times for the future commercial units from Monday to Saturday from 7am to midnight, and Sunday from 7am to 11.30pm.
The site will have CCTV for security. The design and access statement said the site will be kept safe through a range of measures.
It said: “The design incorporates natural surveillance, integrated lighting, and controlled access points, with service and back-of-house areas carefully planned to minimise risk.”