Gosport's waterfront park nears completion with general access expected in early new year
The park is expected to open in the early new year, providing 1,400sqm of green public space for residents and visitors to enjoy
Gosport's new waterfront park is set to open to the public early next year, as work on the first phase of the project nears completion.
The new park is being created by Gosport Borough Council on the site of the former bus station, providing 1,400sqm of green public space as part of a wider £7.5m project.
At the centre of the park, formerly known as the People’s Park project, will be a new bandstand, creating space for performances. An amended design for the bandstand has been approved, and it is expected to be installed in late March next year.
New lighting is being designed and will be installed as part of the final completion of the new park, which is expected to fully open in the spring, and a grant application has been submitted for CCTV.
Works to help establish the newly laid grass have now been completed and subject to weather conditions, general access to the park is expected to open in the early new year.
Phase one of the project focuses on landscaping and infrastructure, while phase two will introduce a purpose-built performance structure for live events, a building for cafés and bars, new public toilets, a modern ferry ticket kiosk, and a bicycle repair concession.
A programme of public events is being planned by the council for Easter 2027 to offer residents and visitors the chance to enjoy the new space.
Cllr Zoe Huggins, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: "We're pleased with the progress of the new waterfront park, which will transform the entrance to Gosport's town centre and provide a green space for socialising, performances and events.
"We want to make sure the park is completed to a high standard and a safe environment, which includes giving the new grass the time it needs to properly establish, before people can start enjoying it in the new year.
"With the bandstand and lighting due to follow in the spring, we're looking forward to welcoming people to the park with a programme of events in the planning for the Easter holidays."
The waterfront park is being created on the site of Gosport's former bus station as part of the wider regeneration of the town's waterfront into a greener, more welcoming public space for everyone to enjoy.