Gosport Economic Development Strategy 2020-2031

Framework for future growth and diversification of the town's economy

The  Gosport Economic Development Strategy 2020-2031 (PDF) [75MB] provides the framework for future growth and the diversification of the town's economy.

A review of existing reports and economic data resulted in the development of an Economic Evidence Base ( Gosport Economic Development Strategy 2020-2031 Evidence Base (PDF) [1MB] ) and a stakeholder consultation exercise was undertaken to help shape the proposed key themes and recommendations (a full list of the consultees is included in the Evidence Base). The key findings were that Gosport has:

• A very constrained urban form for both employment land and housing.
• Considerable opportunities presented by the sites owned by the MOD in the area, but these have been slow to progress.
• Significant strengths in marine, maritime, engineering and defence.
• An outstanding waterfront which is not maximised.
• Local business growth but this has been stymied by the shortage of commercial premises.
• Low median gross workplace and decreasing levels of resident earnings.

As a result the following key themes were identified:

1. Increasing Job Density & Creating Diverse Employment Opportunities.
2. Strengthening the Marine, Maritime & Defence Industries.
3. Employment Land - Ministry of Defence.
4. Commercial Property.
5. Town Centre & High Street.
6. Tourism & Capitalising on Gosport's Waterfront.
7. Skills Development.
8. A Changing Demographic.
9. Access.
10. Organisational structure & resources.
11. Building a strong narrative to government.

Along with related recommended actions for the short-term (1-2 years); medium term (3-5 years) and long-term (beyond 5 years). Partnerships and a collaborative approach are key to the delivery of the strategy.