The demolition of Gosport’s old bus station has started as part of the borough’s flagship £38 million regeneration project.
The demolition of Gosport’s old bus station has started as part of the borough’s flagship £38 million regeneration project.
Nesting seagulls at the waterfront site delayed work for three weeks but it has finally got under way with press invited to observe on Wednesday, September 24.
Demolition will take six weeks before landscaping work will begin to transform the waterfront into a “gateway” named People’s Park for residents and visitors.
Councillor Peter Chegwyn, leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: “The demolition of the old bus station has been a long time coming. Having waited so long we are not hanging around.
“We’ve been talking about demolishing it for 27 years and at long last we’re getting on with it. It’s been an eyesore for way too long and in its place, we are going to put a brand-new People’s Park.
“It will have wonderful views across Portsmouth Harbour with bars and bistros, bringing real life into Gosport. New Entertainment facilities, more jobs and more money into Gosport.
“It’s part of a £38million regeneration plan for Gosport. This is a key day that kicks it off and gets it moving.”
The start of the demolition was delayed by three and half weeks because nesting seagulls were found in the building.
The park is due to be completed by next summer. A replacement bus station has already been built.
More work is currently subject to a planning application due to be determined by the end of October.
Those plans include new buildings for eateries and bars, a bicycle repair concession and a new ferry ticket office.
Contractors PMC Construction and Development Services, appointed in February, are carrying out the first phase of demolition.
The landscaping work includes creating 1,400 sq m of a new grassed area, with low evergreen shrubs and flower bulbs planted along the promenade edge.
There will be a new resin-bound gravel pathway, connecting the promenade with the walkway from the High Street and dividing the park into two levels.
There will be a circular base created as a performance space.
Saturday football fixtures across the South this weekend
UPDATED: 26.09.2025 @ 15:00 Chichester City FC striker Billy Vigar has died
Water supplies under pressure as Ardingly Reservoir runs low
Lane Rental keeps traffic flowing by reducing roadworks in West Sussex
University of Chichester takes part in pilot to stop sanitary products being flushed
Can you volunteer for Age UK West Sussex and Brighton and Hove
Chichester District Council backs two-unitary council option as part of local government reorganisation
21 arrests made in Bognor drugs crackdown operation
Appeal to identify man following collision near Chichester
Redesigned mental health services coming to West Sussex and Brighton and Hove
On Air