We are exploring improvements like upgraded pathways, art installations and coherent signage.
With the help of funding from the UK Government through the Levelling Up Fund, we're hoping to make a real impact on regenerating and reconnecting our historic waterfront over the next few years.
Our plans
We know that the waterfront is not as welcoming or inclusive as it could be, and that there are great opportunities to tell the story of our unique heritage through wayfinding, public art and interpretation.
This in turn will boost the waterfront as a destination for Gosport residents and visitors from outside the borough.
We are developing a masterplan for joining up our historic waterfront, from the Submarine Museum at Haslar in the south, running through the town centre and High Street, up to Hardway in the north. This is considering:
Potential walking and cycling routes along the waterfront between Hardway and Haslar, including the town centre
Key locations where new art installations, interpretation or other interventions could help grow the number of visitors from within the borough and beyond
A possible new name, look and feel for how these waterfront routes and attractions could be promoted to residents and visitors
What's happening next
Royal HaskoningDHV and LDA Design are developing a masterplan for the historic waterfront. This detailed document will incorporate public feedback, existing infrastructure, active travel opportunities and more to put forward specific proposals for the waterfront. There will be further opportunities for the public to have their say on these proposals later in 2025.
The Council will then decide which areas to prioritise first with this first phase of funding from the UK Government.
We expect to start works on the improvements in early 2026.
September 2024 - we ran a month-long exhibition sharing concepts from consultants Acrylicize that could help promote our waterfront. This work was the product of engagement with over 20 local community groups over the previous four months and was supported by public funding from Arts Council England.
November 2023 - the Government announced that Gosport was being awarded £18m from the Levelling Up Fund for two projects, improving the public realm and renovating the Rum Store.
Frequently asked questions
What will the changes from this programme be?
We want to improve access to, and encourage more footfall along the town's historic waterfront.
More specific plans are being developed as part of a 'masterplan', but options currently being explored include improvements to access, information and wayfinding signs, street furniture - as well as larger scale interventions like public art installations.
What is a masterplan?
A masterplan is an overarching vision developed by an expert designer, setting out all the opportunities to improve the historic waterfront.
Our masterplan is being developed using the feedback provided to us from the residents, community groups, businesses and more during engagement exercises in October 2024 and February 2025.
When finished, it will include detailed proposals for new opportunities - such as where arts and culture installations could celebrate our heritage - and making physical access better. This blueprint will help shape the upcoming phases for regeneration of the waterfront.
Which areas will be affected?
We are developing a 'masterplan' for the waterfront through this programme. between Hardway in the north, Haslar in the south - while also including the green loop (Walpole Park) and the town centre.
Once the masterplan is complete, the next step is to consider which options are priorities to progress as part of a first phase of regenerating the waterfront.
When will we see the changes begin?
We are expecting to start physical works on the public realm in early 2026.
Will there be any disruption as a result of the works?
There may be some disruption when works on improvements begin in early 2026. However we will communicate any changes well in advance, along with details of alternatives. When finished, the works will create more and better access to the waterfront.
Where is the money coming from for this project?
In 2023 we received a grant of £18m from the the Government's Levelling Up Fund for this project. This money is specifically for developing a waterfront route to improve footfall between our historic site, and to renovate the Rum Store. It cannot be spent on other projects.
How can I get involved or give feedback?
We welcome all feedback from residents, businesses, community groups and others at during our engagement events, which take place at key times during the project's development.
We ran two public engagement exercises in October 2024 and February 2025, which have shaped the plans so far. We next plan to consult the public in late summer on the proposed masterplan, and will share more information in due course.
We also welcome comments, questions and feedback directly to the project team at any time via email at waterfront@gosport.gov.uk.
In 2023 Gosport Borough Council was successfully awarded Government Levelling Up funding to help improve the public realm along the waterfront to encourage more residents and visitors to discover the attractions and businesses on that route.
This will include creating new physical links to help more people access our waterfront, and telling the story of our heritage through wayfinding, public art and more. It also includes funding to renovate the Rum Store building, match funded by the site owner UK Docks.
