Gosport Borough Council
Councillors:
27
Wards:
14
Committees:
10
Meetings (2026):
59
Meetings (2025):
50
Meeting
Economic Regeneration and Skills Board - Gosport
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 16th July 2026
6:00 PM
Thursday, 16th July 2026
6:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 16th July 2026
10:00 PM
Thursday, 16th July 2026
10:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed; Extraordinary
Confirmed; Extraordinary
Date:
16 Jul 2026
16 Jul 2026
Location:
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Gosport PO12 1EB
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Gosport PO12 1EB
Meeting Attendees
Agenda
1
Apologies for non attendance
Minutes
Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillor Kirkham who was substituted by Councillor Sparrow
2
Declarations of Interest
Minutes
There were none
3
Deputations
NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Tuesday 14 July 2026. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes).
Minutes
There were none
4
Public Questions
(NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Tuesday 14 July 2026).
Minutes
There were none
5
LRF- Reconnecting Historic Gosport Waterfront public realm
This report seeks approval of the Historic Gosport Waterfront Public Realm Masterplan as the strategic framework and long-term vision for public realm improvements across the historic waterfront area. It also seeks approval of the proposed Phase 1 delivery package to be funded through the available Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) capital allocation, identifying the priority projects to be progressed for delivery. Finally, the report seeks authority to progress the approved Phase 1 projects to RIBA Stage 4 (technical design) in order to develop detailed designs, cost estimates and delivery proposals for future consideration by the Board.
Attachments:
- Document 260702 LRF- Reconnecting Historic Gosport Waterfront public realm report 08 Jul 2026
- Document Appendix 2_LRF Public realm_Options appraisal 08 Jul 2026
- Document Appendix 3_LRF_Public realm_Cost plan 08 Jul 2026
- Document Appendix 4_LUF Public Realm GBC IIA signed 08 Jul 2026
- Document Appendix 5_LRF Public engagement summary 08 Jul 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration (HEDR) seeking approval of the Historic Gosport Waterfront Public Realm Masterplan as the strategic framework and long term vision for public realm improvements across the historic waterfront area. It also seeks approval for the proposed Phase 1 delivery package and to progress the approved Phase 1 projects to RIBA Stage 4 in order to develop detailed designs, cost estimates and delivery proposals for future consideration by the Board.
It was noted that within the recommendation the Policy & Organisation Board was referenced in error. This has subsequently been updated on the published papers.
The HEDR introduced his report with a presentation that covered:
1. Project timeline
2. Overview challenges and assumptions
3. Historic Gosport Waterfront Masterplan
4. Headline costs, project prioritization and options appraisal
5. Recommended projects
6. Phase 1 costs and contingency
7. Next steps.
He clarified for members that Public Realm refers to the spaces between buildings, including streets, pedestrian routes and open spaces which play an important role in shaping how placed function and are experienced. Improving connectivity between the High Street, waterfront and heritage assets is the primary objective, which is expected to support increased footfall, tourism, investment health & wellbeing and active travel.
An amendment was proposed and seconded, and Members agreed to deal with it once questions and discussions had taken place.
In answer to a number of questions from a Member regarding the phrase “long term aspiration” used within the report an officer explained that when the original BID was submitted these options were all seen as long term. The HEDR assured members that RIBA Stage 4, expected before the end of the year, would provide much more detailed plans and proposals for connectivity.
Officers assured Members that the economic benefits from the scheme are evidenced based rather than assumptions. The scheme will improve neglected areas, telling a story and improving footfall, which will benefit the many existing businesses as well as those being developed. There would also be opportunities for training during construction. The improved area for walking and exploring would also support health & wellbeing.
A Member suggested that in the true description of the term transport, the scheme would not include additional public transport routes. The HEDR explained that the BID has scored highly on the Active Travel element of the scheme, which is based around walkways and cycle paths. He said it was important that the route linked with the ferry terminal, bus interchange and taxi rank at the Waterfront gateway and had potential transport links at its start and finish, and if the scheme attracted the numbers hoped for it would form the basis for a good case to be put to transport companies. A Member suggested approaching scooter and bike hire firms to increase capacity.
The Chairman reminded the Board that the grant covers 5 projects which must be delivered by March 2028 to secure the funding. The next stage would provide most of the details and answer a lot of Members questions and reports will come back to Board advising of progress. He stressed that he would be working closely with Officers to ensure that the scheme was delivered on time and with scrutiny by the Board.
The amendment proposed that paragraph 1 of the recommendation point ii should read:
1. Delivery of the wayfinding, interpretation and connectivity strategy across the entirety of the project area (approximately 4.4 linear kilometres from Haslar to Hardway) with best practice accessibility requirements, under the guidance of specialist consultants, to be considered and developed as part of RIBA Stage 4 technical design.
The proposer wished to ensure that all signage and interpretation boards were designed with those with impaired vision in mind.
A vote was taken and carried.
A Member wished to thank the officers for the work they have put in to producing the report and the way they have shared the information with the Board.
RESOLVED: That the Economic Regeneration and Skills Board:
That the Economic Regeneration & Skills Board:
i. Approved the Historic Gosport Waterfront Public Realm Masterplan for acceptance and adoption as the strategic framework for public realm improvements across the historic waterfront area.
ii. Approved the scope of Phase 1 Public Realm works to be prioritised within the available Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) capital allocation for public realm, comprising:
1. Delivery of the wayfinding, interpretation and connectivity strategy across the entirety of the project area (approximately 4.4 linear kilometres from Haslar to Hardway) with best practice accessibility requirements, under the guidance of specialist consultants, to be considered and developed as part of the RIBA Stage 4 technical design.
2. Delivery connectivity and public realm improvements at Royal Clarence Yard South, including enhancements to Cooperage Green, Jamaica Road and Osborne Road, the proposed connectivity platform between Victoria Quay and Royal Clarence Yard, and the pedestrian access through the OPA site towards Mumby Road.
3. Delivery of the High Street and Falkland Gardens public realm improvements, including the High Street gateway, Falkland Gardens enhancements, public realm and connectivity improvements throughout the area.
4. Delivery of public realm and connectivity improvements at the Millennium Sundial (Timespace).
5. Delivery of the community-led Vertipools project.
iii. Authorised officers to progress the prioritised Phase 1 designs to RIBA Stage 4 (technical design) for Board approval;
It was noted that within the recommendation the Policy & Organisation Board was referenced in error. This has subsequently been updated on the published papers.
The HEDR introduced his report with a presentation that covered:
1. Project timeline
2. Overview challenges and assumptions
3. Historic Gosport Waterfront Masterplan
4. Headline costs, project prioritization and options appraisal
5. Recommended projects
6. Phase 1 costs and contingency
7. Next steps.
He clarified for members that Public Realm refers to the spaces between buildings, including streets, pedestrian routes and open spaces which play an important role in shaping how placed function and are experienced. Improving connectivity between the High Street, waterfront and heritage assets is the primary objective, which is expected to support increased footfall, tourism, investment health & wellbeing and active travel.
An amendment was proposed and seconded, and Members agreed to deal with it once questions and discussions had taken place.
In answer to a number of questions from a Member regarding the phrase “long term aspiration” used within the report an officer explained that when the original BID was submitted these options were all seen as long term. The HEDR assured members that RIBA Stage 4, expected before the end of the year, would provide much more detailed plans and proposals for connectivity.
Officers assured Members that the economic benefits from the scheme are evidenced based rather than assumptions. The scheme will improve neglected areas, telling a story and improving footfall, which will benefit the many existing businesses as well as those being developed. There would also be opportunities for training during construction. The improved area for walking and exploring would also support health & wellbeing.
A Member suggested that in the true description of the term transport, the scheme would not include additional public transport routes. The HEDR explained that the BID has scored highly on the Active Travel element of the scheme, which is based around walkways and cycle paths. He said it was important that the route linked with the ferry terminal, bus interchange and taxi rank at the Waterfront gateway and had potential transport links at its start and finish, and if the scheme attracted the numbers hoped for it would form the basis for a good case to be put to transport companies. A Member suggested approaching scooter and bike hire firms to increase capacity.
The Chairman reminded the Board that the grant covers 5 projects which must be delivered by March 2028 to secure the funding. The next stage would provide most of the details and answer a lot of Members questions and reports will come back to Board advising of progress. He stressed that he would be working closely with Officers to ensure that the scheme was delivered on time and with scrutiny by the Board.
The amendment proposed that paragraph 1 of the recommendation point ii should read:
1. Delivery of the wayfinding, interpretation and connectivity strategy across the entirety of the project area (approximately 4.4 linear kilometres from Haslar to Hardway) with best practice accessibility requirements, under the guidance of specialist consultants, to be considered and developed as part of RIBA Stage 4 technical design.
The proposer wished to ensure that all signage and interpretation boards were designed with those with impaired vision in mind.
A vote was taken and carried.
A Member wished to thank the officers for the work they have put in to producing the report and the way they have shared the information with the Board.
RESOLVED: That the Economic Regeneration and Skills Board:
That the Economic Regeneration & Skills Board:
i. Approved the Historic Gosport Waterfront Public Realm Masterplan for acceptance and adoption as the strategic framework for public realm improvements across the historic waterfront area.
ii. Approved the scope of Phase 1 Public Realm works to be prioritised within the available Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) capital allocation for public realm, comprising:
1. Delivery of the wayfinding, interpretation and connectivity strategy across the entirety of the project area (approximately 4.4 linear kilometres from Haslar to Hardway) with best practice accessibility requirements, under the guidance of specialist consultants, to be considered and developed as part of the RIBA Stage 4 technical design.
2. Delivery connectivity and public realm improvements at Royal Clarence Yard South, including enhancements to Cooperage Green, Jamaica Road and Osborne Road, the proposed connectivity platform between Victoria Quay and Royal Clarence Yard, and the pedestrian access through the OPA site towards Mumby Road.
3. Delivery of the High Street and Falkland Gardens public realm improvements, including the High Street gateway, Falkland Gardens enhancements, public realm and connectivity improvements throughout the area.
4. Delivery of public realm and connectivity improvements at the Millennium Sundial (Timespace).
5. Delivery of the community-led Vertipools project.
iii. Authorised officers to progress the prioritised Phase 1 designs to RIBA Stage 4 (technical design) for Board approval;
6
Waterfront Regeneration Project
This report provides an update on the Waterfront regeneration project at the site of the former bus station at Mumby Road, Gosport. Its intention is to report on progress of the Phase 1 works, and to confirm next steps in terms of the further phases of development.
Attachments:
- Document ERS Board Report - Waterfront Regeneration Update FINAL Version 08 Jul 2026
- Document Appendix 1 - Waterfront Regeneration Proposals 08 Jul 2026
- Document Appendix 2 - Design and Access Statement All Phases_compressed 08 Jul 2026
Minutes
Consideration wasgiven toa reportby theHead ofCommercial Property(HCP) providing the background and an update on the waterfront regeneration project at the site of the former bus station at Mumby Road, Gosport. Its purpose is to report on progress of the Phase 1 works, and to advise on next steps, which are to review further phases of development and present a report to a future meeting of the Board.
The HCP introduced his report by advising Members that Phase 1 was complete subject to the completion of the bandstand and planting of the beds, within approved expenditure. This phase covered demolition enabling ground work, the bandstand plinth and landscaping areas. Originally due to reach this point in May, delays on site have been caused by contamination found and the extended hot weather. The amenity space would be usable later in the year.
The end of Phase 1 coincides with a change in the administration which allows for a strategic review of the Waterfront project. It provides a natural point to review the project and consider design refinement, costs and funding. Anything not formally signed off will be reassessed. An example of this is the design of the bandstand where a more cost effective design maybe possible.
A Member raised a query over the predicted underspend for the first phase of the budget versus the capital expenditure approval of £2.017m, citing the original capital programme budget of £1.059m set in FY 24/25. The HCP referred to a previous report presented to P&O Board on 27th January 2026. This report confirmed that the approved phase one costs of £2.017m included additional enabling works that would benefit later phases, as well as costs due now that related to obtaining planning consent for later phases.
Members were reminded that the previously developed proposals for Phase 2 include a roof terrace and five food outlets, four of which are at the stage of agreeing terms, subject to contract. Currently Phase 3 consists of a bicycle concession, new toilets including Changing Places facilities and an office for the ferry.
In answer to Member’s questions the HCP advised that
1. offering rent free periods to new businesses was normal practice and the length of that period would be commensurate with the length of the lease signed, for example a five year lease may attract a six month rent free period rising to a year rent free for a ten year lease.
2. no one had anticipated delivery of the scheme at this time of year, therefore with hindsight the additional tap could have been installed earlier. The contractor is on site to keep the turf healthy
3. as at the date of the report the costs include the additional care for the turf. If there is a need to continue additional watering then that might change.
4. there would be a supported transition from the contractor to GBC Grounds Maintenance Team
5. the proceeds from the sale of the Fort Road car park did not form part of the Phase 1 budget
In answer to a Member’s question regarding a vote, the HCP, CEX and Chairman reminded the Board of the purpose of the report and that it was for noting, no approval was being sought therefore no vote was required. A Member left the meeting.
A Member wished to thank the officers for the update.
RESOLVED: That the Board noted:
i) That the completion of the first phase of Waterfront regeneration project provides an opportunity for a review of the future phases, with next steps being a report to P&O Board for a decision over potential design refinements and allocation of funds, taking into account various factors including commerciality, community benefit/safety, wider regeneration opportunities and the formation of a consolidated masterplan ; and
ii) That the proposals for the Waterfront regeneration are consistent with the emerging Gosport Borough Local Plan 2042, the Gosport Waterfront and Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document and the wider Local Regeneration Fund wayfinding and improvement masterplan.
The HCP introduced his report by advising Members that Phase 1 was complete subject to the completion of the bandstand and planting of the beds, within approved expenditure. This phase covered demolition enabling ground work, the bandstand plinth and landscaping areas. Originally due to reach this point in May, delays on site have been caused by contamination found and the extended hot weather. The amenity space would be usable later in the year.
The end of Phase 1 coincides with a change in the administration which allows for a strategic review of the Waterfront project. It provides a natural point to review the project and consider design refinement, costs and funding. Anything not formally signed off will be reassessed. An example of this is the design of the bandstand where a more cost effective design maybe possible.
A Member raised a query over the predicted underspend for the first phase of the budget versus the capital expenditure approval of £2.017m, citing the original capital programme budget of £1.059m set in FY 24/25. The HCP referred to a previous report presented to P&O Board on 27th January 2026. This report confirmed that the approved phase one costs of £2.017m included additional enabling works that would benefit later phases, as well as costs due now that related to obtaining planning consent for later phases.
Members were reminded that the previously developed proposals for Phase 2 include a roof terrace and five food outlets, four of which are at the stage of agreeing terms, subject to contract. Currently Phase 3 consists of a bicycle concession, new toilets including Changing Places facilities and an office for the ferry.
In answer to Member’s questions the HCP advised that
1. offering rent free periods to new businesses was normal practice and the length of that period would be commensurate with the length of the lease signed, for example a five year lease may attract a six month rent free period rising to a year rent free for a ten year lease.
2. no one had anticipated delivery of the scheme at this time of year, therefore with hindsight the additional tap could have been installed earlier. The contractor is on site to keep the turf healthy
3. as at the date of the report the costs include the additional care for the turf. If there is a need to continue additional watering then that might change.
4. there would be a supported transition from the contractor to GBC Grounds Maintenance Team
5. the proceeds from the sale of the Fort Road car park did not form part of the Phase 1 budget
In answer to a Member’s question regarding a vote, the HCP, CEX and Chairman reminded the Board of the purpose of the report and that it was for noting, no approval was being sought therefore no vote was required. A Member left the meeting.
A Member wished to thank the officers for the update.
RESOLVED: That the Board noted:
i) That the completion of the first phase of Waterfront regeneration project provides an opportunity for a review of the future phases, with next steps being a report to P&O Board for a decision over potential design refinements and allocation of funds, taking into account various factors including commerciality, community benefit/safety, wider regeneration opportunities and the formation of a consolidated masterplan ; and
ii) That the proposals for the Waterfront regeneration are consistent with the emerging Gosport Borough Local Plan 2042, the Gosport Waterfront and Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document and the wider Local Regeneration Fund wayfinding and improvement masterplan.
7
Any other items that the Chairman deems important
That the Chairman deems urgent.
Minutes
There were none
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in