Cash boost of £1.77m for Gosport high street given green light

Gosport is one of seven high streets across the south east that has secured funding for a Historic England regeneration scheme to help recover from declining footfall and the impact of Covid-19.

In partnership with Gosport Borough Council, the town will receive £1,776,500 to help re-energise the high street and bring empty buildings back to life to provide housing, shops and community spaces.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘I am thrilled that Historic England have chosen to invest in Gosport high street following our meeting earlier in the year.

‘Our high street is at the very heart of our community, but has been hit hard by the pandemic and I know local businesses are feeling the toll.

‘This funding will look to regenerate both our high street and our local economy, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring.”

Emily Gee, London and South East regional director at Historic England, said: ‘Gosport is not alone in the problems it faces on the high street with low footfall and high vacancy rates.

‘But Gosport is home to many wonderful historic military and maritime buildings, and we are excited to working with the council to transform and restore this important heritage into new homes, shops and community spaces, creating jobs and training opportunities in the process.

‘Cultural activities will help to bring the high street back to life and we will be exploring how the Gosport Museum and Art Gallery might be renovated.

‘We want to help create a welcoming and thriving place for local people and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

‘With this funding, there is hope for a brighter future in Gosport thanks to its rich and interesting past.’

The £95m government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme is being led by Historic England in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.