Plans to revitalise Gosport’s historic Criterion Cinema have taken a significant step forward in the last week. The council has approved the first phase of the restoration, which will transform the building’s annexe into a vibrant arts-led community café, set to open in March 2026.

The first part of the restoration will focus on refurbishing and re-opening the ground floor annexe as a community café, which will include a flexible space for pop-up cultural events, complemented by a new bar, kitchen and toilets.

Plans to transform the borough’s former bus station into ‘The People’s Park’ also progressed, with the council appointing HGP Architects Ltd to prepare a planning application for the next phases of the scheme.

The application will propose the development of five permanent food and beverage units, an accessible WC and changing places facility, a new ticket office for the Ferry Company, a bicycle hire concession, and a dedicated event structure for the Park area.

The planning application for The People’s Park is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks, with the procurement of a main contractor anticipated in the autumn, ahead of construction commencing later in the year.

Both complement the town’s broader £30 million waterfront regeneration scheme.

Gosport Borough Council Leader, Peter Chegwyn, says: “These approvals mark an exciting step forward for Gosport. Regeneration is about breathing new life into our spaces and creating places people can be proud of. Whether reviving our much-loved former cinema or advancing plans for The People’s Park to revitalise the waterfront and create a welcoming gateway to Gosport. We are committed to supporting the borough’s future and its community well-being, so these spaces can be enjoyed for years to come.”

The Criterion, located on Forton Road, opened in 1912 and operated as a cinema and theatre until 1968. It then became a bingo hall, which closed in 2020. In 2022, the council purchased the building with a plan to reopen it as a multi-use entertainment venue for the community.

The former bus depot site, which opened in 1972, served as a key transportation hub for over 50 years. Often considered outdated, it closed in October 2024 following completion of the brand-new bus interchange nearby.   Following the opening of the new transport interchange, Gosport Borough Council revealed its vision to redevelop the old bus station into The People’s Park, aimed at enhancing the town centre and waterfront area. This initiative is part of a broader effort to regenerate Gosport’s waterfront and create a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors.

Two separate but complementary Government-funded projects are also running alongside to improve the borough. This includes the wider Waterfront project and the renovation of the Rum Store at Royal Clarence Yard.