November 2023

Over £18m funding awarded to transform our historic waterfront

This month Gosport Borough Council has been awarded up to £18,117,915 for the Reconnecting Historic Gosport Waterfront project.

The funding will be used to create better connections and walking routes between Gosport town centre and the historic waterfront, and to support the restoration and development of the former naval Rum Store at Royal Clarence Yard (pictured above). This regeneration work will improve quality of life for Gosport residents, bring in more visitors and business, and boost social and economic prosperity.

Gosport light switch on and market success

Gosport High Street hosted a day of free festive fun on Saturday 25 November. Supported by the council, the day included a special seasonal market, a Christmas lights switch-on show, street entertainment and family activities. The new Anchored in Gosport festive heritage market featured products ranging from bespoke jewellery and locally-made Christmas gifts to sweet treats, cakes, mulled wine and festive street food. Throughout the day visitors enjoyed free activities and entertainment presented on behalf of the council by Hampshire Cultural Trust. 

Thanks to everyone who braved the chill and supported the event.

More markets and family fun

Next month will see even more free entertainment for families in the town centre, including go-karts, a craft bus, live music, face-painting and festive entertainers. Meanwhile, Anchored in Gosport are planning more of their new Saturday mini-markets in the High Street, on 2, 9, 16 and 23 December.

Community skips scheme

The council's free community skips scheme has been hailed a success after collecting more than 200 tonnes of waste in less than six months. More than 94 per cent of the rubbish is being recycled, latest figures show.

The scheme brings skips to local neighbourhoods so residents can dispose of bulky household rubbish free of charge. Skips are available 9:30am - 11:30am, the next dates are:

• 9 Dec - Privett Park Car Park
• 23 Dec - Walpole Park South Car Park
• 6 Jan - Whites Place Car Park, off Forton Road

Council welcomes cash to fix sea wall

The council has welcomed a decision to commit more than £3/4 million for sea defences at Stokes Bay. The decision means enough money is now in place to replace 135m of collapsed sea wall, restoring access to Stokes Bay East car park and the promenade.

Make sure you know what to do if there's a flood

These are the top tips from Coastal Partners, who work on flood issues on behalf of the council:

• Move family and pets to safety.
• Be prepared, have a flood plan and bag ready.
• Move important items upstairs or to safety.
• Turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies.
• Sign up for Environment Agency alerts and warnings and follow the advice provided.