Gosport bus station site is put on the market

The station in Gosport will be marketed as part of wider plans for the redevelopment of the waterfront area and town centre.

Tory council leader, Councillor Mark Hook, called the site one of the best opportunities for development in the area.

‘We will keep space for the buses, taxis and bikes but there is also room to provide cafes, shops and restaurants to encourage people to stop and enjoy the fantastic views of the harbour,’ he said.

‘It is one of the best development opportunities on the south coast.

‘The current bus station is old and tired and needs to be replaced. I’m delighted that later this year we will have proposals from developers for this important waterfront site. I look forward to seeing proposals which create an exciting gateway from the harbour to our town.’

Cllr Hook said the council wants to modernise the nearby Falkland Gardens.

He added: ‘We have always promised that the Falkland Gardens would be retained, but it is time to create a space for people of all ages to enjoy.’

Plans for the bus interchange were originally on the council’s agenda more than three years ago.

In June 2012, the council had started an investment plan and had approval to go ahead and market the site.

But due to the recession the plans were put on hold and were only back in the pipeline last summer.

Since then, workshops have been held asking members of the public and business owners their thoughts on improving the town centre.

Feedback from the workshops have gone into a five-year economic plan created by the town’s coastal community team.

As part of the marketing, Gosport Borough Council has made it clear that the 
new bus interchange must include retail units and food outlets.