Have your say on £1.8m plans to 'bring new life' to Gosport town centre

Proposals are in motion to transform Gosport's high street and Stoke Road after the town was made a Heritage Action Zone by Historic England.

Gosport Borough Council is hoping to preserve historic buildings, including the Old Grammar School in High Street, the former Royal Arms pub in Stoke Road and top floors of high street shops.

If successful, the Old Grammar School would become a museum, cafe and community hub, with additional retail options. The plan was previously floated when a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund was made.

The Royal Arms canopy – an Edwardian stained glass structure – will be restored to its former glory, with proposals to make this a ‘focal point’ for the community in Stoke Road.

Meanwhile, the top floors of existing high street shops could be used as small offices or residential units.

The council has bid for £1.8m funding from a £95m national pot and has launched a consultation to get feedback from residents.

Council leader, Councillor Mark Hook, said: ‘The actions we're proposing really would transform Stoke Road and the High Street, bringing new life into the town centre and enhancing our historic buildings.

‘I hope lots of people will respond to the survey and tell us what they think and if they have alternative ideas.’

The plan was developed by the council and Hampshire Cultural Trust, which runs Gosport Gallery and Search in the Old Grammar School.

Residents say the high street is in need of new life.

Richard Johnson, 84, said: ‘There are a lot of empty spaces in the high street so they just need to do something different.

‘It would be nice to have a proper restaurant along the high street.’

Bradley Smith, 23, from Bridgemary, said: ‘The high street is struggling.

‘I don’t know if a museum will draw enough attention to the area; something kids can use like a play area would be great.’

Visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GosportHAZ by February 28.