Gosport Borough Council has approved expenditure of £2.017 million to deliver Phase One of the People’s Park project, marking a major step forward in transforming the former bus station site into a new public green space on the waterfront.

This milestone follows the full levelling and clearance of the site after the demolition of the 53‑year‑old bus station building. With the ground now prepared, work will move into creating the first elements of the new park.

Phase One will deliver the core landscaping and infrastructure that will shape the park’s layout and character, including:

• 1,400sqm of new grassed public space
• 20 new trees, replacing those removed and increasing the total number on site by six
• Evergreen shrub and bulb planting along the waterfront promenade, designed to maintain open sea views across the harbour
• A resin‑bound gravel path linking the promenade to the walkway from the High Street, creating two levels of green space
• A new performance space, forming the centrepiece of the future park

These works form the first stage of the People’s Park vision unveiled last year, which will see the waterfront transformed into a greener, more welcoming and accessible public space for residents and visitors.

Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Peter Chegwyn, said: “With funding secured and the site now cleared, we are moving from concept to construction. Phase One will lay the foundations for a vibrant new park that opens the waterfront and creates space for community events, relaxation and year‑round enjoyment.”

Construction of Phase One will begin at the end of February with further updates to follow as the project progresses.