Coastline - October 2023 edition

Criterion plan gets thumbs-up

The council's plan to re-open the Criterion as an entertainment and community venue has been strongly supported by residents.

In the consultation carried out earlier in the year, almost three quarters of local people said they were very or quite likely to visit once it was back in use.

A total of 1,149 residents responded to the consultation. More than half said they were interested in attending live music performances, film screenings and fairs or markets at the Criterion. Theatre and comedy performances were also popular, with just under half of residents interested. Live music was the most commonly mentioned type of event that local people wanted to attend.

While 73 per cent of residents were very or quite likely to visit the Criterion in the future, only 21 per cent said they were not likely to use the venue. Six per cent were undecided.

The council is planning more consultation with local businesses and groups in October to further establish possible uses for the building.

An open day at the building, run by Hampshire Cultural Trust as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme, attracted up to 100 people.

The council is carrying out work on the building to remove weeds and make repairs. Safety inspections will be carried out on parapets and the statue, and the large crown sign is likely to be removed.

New-look market to help town centre regeneration

Gosport's high street market is to be revamped - with more stalls, entertainment and special themed events.

The market, which runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, will keep its current stallholders. But a new operator has been brought in by the council, with the aim of bringing in more traders, boosting the market's popularity and introducing new ideas.

The new operator, local company Nest and Anchor Events, already runs markets at the Cams Estate in Fareham. As well as stalls, these include entertainment, food and drink.

The first special market scheduled for Gosport is a Victorian Christmas-themed event in conjunction with the council's light switch-on festivities on Saturday 25 November.

Plans for sea wall replacement

New plans have been proposed to replace the failed eastern sea wall in Stokes Bay.

The wall has sustained damage, notably from storm Eunice in 2022, that led to the collapse of a section of the promenade and closure of Stokes Bay East car park.

Coastal Partners, responsible for coastal management on behalf of the council, has submitted the plans and is anticipating a decision by the end of October.

The council is looking to secure the funding needed. Reinstatement of the wall will create a safe and pleasant space and re-open the car park and area up to walkers, runners, and other users again. Inspections of the area will continue to ensure people's safety.

Home library service

If you can't get to the library due to ill-health, disability or caring responsibilities, the library can come to you.

Hampshire County Council's free home library service can arrange for you to have your library books delivered to your home on a regular basis.

The service offers books in standard and large print and also has a wide range of audio books in different formats. If you would like to borrow a particular title from Hampshire's stock, they can get it for you.

If you're interested in using the service you just need to fill in an enquiry form and the service will contact you by phone or email to assess your eligibility. The enquiry form is online. You can also ask about the service at your local library or call 0300 555 1387. 

You'll be matched with a volunteer who will visit you and exchange the items you have borrowed usually at least once every four weeks.

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