24 March 2026
The long‑awaited transformation of Gosport’s waterfront has moved into a major new phase. Core landscaping is now underway on the first section of the new People’s Park.
Following the full demolition and clearance of the 53‑year‑old bus station, and with the ground now levelled and prepared, residents will begin to see the park take shape as essential landscaping and infrastructure works progress.
It's envisaged that Phase One of the scheme will be completed by mid-May and the park itself will be open for the summer season. As soon as the Phase One works are completed, work will then start on Phase Two, the provision of new food and drink outlets with stunning views across Portsmouth Harbour.
Gosport Borough Council will be restoring the water fountain at Falkland Gardens, bringing the much-loved feature back into working use.
Restoring the fountain will significantly improve the quality and character of Falkland Gardens, reinforcing the gardens as a welcoming entrance to the waterfront and complement the People's Park regeneration project.
The restoration work is being undertaken at no cost to Gosport taxpayers thanks to funding being secured from the Government's Levelling-Up Fund.
 Cllrs Peter Chegwyn and Julie Westerby helping to open the new facility
A brand new adventure playground and outdoor fitness zone has opened at Lee-on-the Solent waterfront.
The new Marine Parade Playpark has been specially designed with older children in mind, featuring a ninja trail packed with inclusive equipment for all abilities.
Next to it is a new fitness zone for older children and adults.
It's the latest of more than £1m of new and improved sports and leisure facilities created by Gosport Borough Council, with more on the way!
 Let us know what you think of Gosport’s draft Local Plan, which sets out where new homes, jobs and leisure could be created up to 2042.
Our plan focuses on developing brownfield land, protecting important open spaces and heritage sites, and opening up more of the waterfront for public use. Key areas proposed for potential development include Fort Blockhouse and parts of the town centre.
A six‑week public consultation is now open for views until 16 April and drop‑in sessions are being held across the Borough for people to find out more.
Investment in Gosport's playparks, open spaces and homes have been agreed in a budget that protects frontline services for the next 12 months.
We have earmarked an additional £0.3m to maintain and improve the Borough's play parks and splash parks, a further £2.4m for the next phase of creating a waterfront 'People's Park', and £13m towards council home improvements in our capital funding for 2026/27 to 2028/29.
It's part of a balanced budget agreed by Gosport councillors which sees no drop in funding for frontline services.
With inflation and underlying costs rising by £1.8m are not met by government funding increases of only £0.6m. To help meet some of this funding pressure, we are raising our share of council tax by 2.99 per cent. This represents a below-inflation rise and just 12p per week extra for the average household.
A major new community‑led regeneration initiative for Rowner has taken a significant step forward
The Government‑funded scheme is designed to put local people in the driving seat when it comes to shaping the future of their neighbourhood. While the council will handle the legal and financial side of the funding, the programme itself will be led by residents, community groups and local partners, ensuring decisions are made by the people who know Rowner best.
A Neighbourhood Board will be set up with around eight people, including those who work and live in Rowner, the MP and at least one ward councillor.
Alverstoke's Coastal Defence Scheme can now progress, with the full funding now secured. Our bid for the £7.6m extra needed to progress the work has been approved by the Environment Agency.
The scheme will create a new flood wall and road flood gate at the top of Stoke Lake, providing much-needed flood protection to 130 nearby homes and local infrastructure.
The work is starting again shortly and is expected to take at least three years.
|
