Gosport Tourist Information Office closes as demolition of bus station looms

Mike Critchley has run the Gosport Tourist Information Office for the past sixteen months but on Wednesday, October 2 he closed its doors for the final time. The office, within the Bus Station Complex on South Street, has closed as the council continues with its plans to demolish the building and build a new park with bistro’s and bars.

It is a decision that Mike is firmly against, believing that the current building can be repurposed with the first floor utilised for residential space. He said: “On the top floor we have have spaces that could be turned into flats very quickly. The structural engineers and architects all say it is a good strong building, it’s just a bit scruffy.

“With some TLC the top floor, and with possibly adding floors on top, could help provide some answers to Gosport’s accommodation problems.”

Mike ran as an independent at the last local authority elections with the use of the bus station space near the top of his agenda. He wanted to see the prime location used as a venue for special events with catering overlooking the harbour and accommodation above.

It is a view that Mike believes is shared by a number of local people. He said: “Some people are very angry that it is coming down, it’s a huge waste of money just to knock it down. The council have given themselves approval to knock it down so is there any hope? It’s a David v Goliath situation.”

As for the Tourist Information Office, Mike is sad to see it go as its services move to online only. He said: “Its extremely sad to see it go. This is Gosport’s front door so people come from the marinas and come across from the ferry. As of today (October 2) there will be no one to greet them and give tourist advice. Gosport is a historic town and it has a lot to offer.

“It will be online but there are people over 60 who don't want to do that, they have their grandchildren in tow and they want to be advised where to go. It’s busy even in winter, last week you wouldn't believe the amount of tourists we had coming in. Generally, we have 30 to 45 people come in everyday.”

Gosport Borough Council initially closed the tourist ofice in April 2023 but it was taken on by Mike and his company Maritime Heritage Tours Ltd to keep the service running. Mike is hoping they will be able to open another physical office for tourist information nearby in the future but is waiting to hear the council’s plans.

The closure has affected Mike in other ways. They were expecting to remain in the office until the end of the year and subsequently hired a train to take people from Gosport to London on October 26. With the office closed Mike has distributed the tickets to local post offices to help with the sale. For anyone interested in the £25 return tickets they can enquire at their local post office.

In response to the demolition of the Gosport bus station, councillor Peter Chegwyn, leader of Gosport Borough Council said: "As part of our plans to regenerate Gosport waterfront, and as work nears completion on the new bus interchange, we are progressing the redevelopment of the old bus station site. Our vision is that this will include a new People's Park - a high-quality public space with destinations like bistros and bars that make the most of the location and views.

"This will become an important gateway to our revitalised waterfront - both for residents to enjoy as well as for visitors arriving by ferry or bus.

“The redevelopment won't include equivalent building premises, so we have been in conversation with the tenants and offering support for finding alternative locations for their businesses."

Further information on the council’s plans for the area can be found here and on Gosport Borough Council’s website (24/00278/DEMO).

Watch the video embedded in this article for the full interview with Mike Critchley.