Gunwharf Quays Advances £45m Investment with Plans for Central Square

Gunwharf Quays, owned by Landsec, has submitted a planning application to Portsmouth City Council for the third phase of its £45m investment, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience at the waterfront outlet destination.

This latest phase focuses on Central Square, a key area that serves as a hub for visitors entering the outlet and connecting them to The Waterfront and The Avenues.

Revitalising Central Square

The redevelopment plans for Central Square include transforming part of the vacant space previously occupied by Eden nightclub into a new family-friendly dining destination. This initiative will expand Gunwharf Quays’ food and beverage offering, bringing new life to the area and appealing to a wider audience. The proposed works also involve updating the aesthetics and façades of the existing buildings to create a more welcoming and visually appealing environment.

Additionally, the plans feature the installation of a large digital screen within Central Square, providing opportunities to broadcast events such as Wimbledon and Sail Portsmouth, as well as introducing new digital advertising space for brands. These upgrades are expected to make Central Square a vibrant, central hub for visitors to enjoy a range of activities.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, emphasised the significance of the project: “This submission marks another key step in our long-term investment in Gunwharf Quays. We’re focused on enhancing Gunwharf Quays so it remains an attractive place for people to visit and helps us bring even more of the best brands and best-in-class dining experiences for guests to enjoy. Through these plans, alongside our continued sustainability efforts and strong local partnerships, we can continue to create value for Portsmouth’s people, economy and surrounding environment.”

Future of Gunwharf Quays

If approved, work on Central Square is expected to begin in spring 2025. This follows the planning approval for Marlborough Square, granted in June, with construction set to start in early 2025. These developments are part of Landsec’s broader Vision Document and Design Guide for Gunwharf Quays, which outlines design principles for future planning applications. Over 500 local community members contributed to refining these guidelines, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with the needs and preferences of Portsmouth residents.

Gunwharf Quays’ investment is set to transform the waterfront outlet, further establishing its status as a top destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the UK.