GUNWHARF QUAYS PORTSMOUTH
Gunwharf Quays at the edge of Portsmouth Harbour, is an impressive waterfront retail and leisure complex, which is at the heart of the regeneration of Portsmouth's harbour area. The 425,000 sq ft site has an impressive range of designer outlet stores and a wide range of bars and restaurants many with harbour views, especially those with al fresco eating areas overlooking the bustling Gunwharf Quays Marina. The centre is easily reached by public transport, Gunwharf is located next door to the Hard Interchange, Portsmouth's transport hub which includes Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station, Coach, Bus and Ferry Terminal. In addition Gunwharf Quays has an award winning 1,532 space car park, split over two floors built beneath the centre, one of the largest underground car parks in the UK. Available parking spaces are indicated by green LED indicators making finding a space much easier.
GUNWHARF QUAYS SHOPPING
If you are looking for a wide range of designer outlet shops and stores then Gunwharf Quays is the place for you. Gunwharf is home to 95 retail outlets and includes all of the major names in fashion, footwear, household goods, sportswear and outdoor gear. Brands represented here include Adidas, Animal, Bose, Cath Kidston, Gap, Jack Wills, Karen Millen, Levi Strauss, Nike, Paul Smith, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ugg and Vans, to list just a few, all designer ranges and all offering outlet prices. You can view a full list of shops in the right hand column.
GUNWHARF QUAYS RESTAURANTS
There are 30 restaurants and bars at Gunwharf to choose from, so there should be something to please everyone and all budgets. On the west side of the centre, close to The Spinnaker Tower, there are 2 floors of restaurants overlooking Gunwharf Quays Marina and Portsmouth Harbour with it's maritime traffic of ferries, sailing boats, fishing boats and Royal Naval vessels. Further restaurants and a traditional pub, The Customs House, can be found at the canalside area of Gunwharf. There really is a wide range of cuisines available here including, American, Indian, Chinese, French, Italian as well as restaurants offering a more global menu. You will find a full listing of Gunwharf Quays restaurants here.
GUNWHARF QUAYS LEISURE
In addition to the fabulous shopping and restaurants, Gunwharf is also home to some great leisure facilities. Vue has a 14 screen multiplex cinema here, Aspex Art Gallery is located in the Vulcan Building, there is a 26 lane Bowlplex bowling centre with an extensive pool table area, Grosvenor Casino's have a vibrant casino, with a modern a la carte restaurant seating up to 60, there is also a 24/7 gym and fitness centre. If that is not enough, there are also boat trips, The Spinnaker Tower and regular events, fairs and exhibitions taking place at Gunwharf Quays.
GUNWHARF QUAYS HISTORY
Gunwharf was developed on the site of HMS Vernon, which closed in 1986. HMS Vernon was the centre for development and training of torpedoes and torpedo men for the Royal Navy. However the history of Gunwharf is much older than HMS Vernon and can be traced back to the 12th century when King Richard, let out land for development of a dockyard and constructed a dock for royal galleys, known as Richards Docks. Gunwharf Quays gets its name from its use from the late 17th century. From this time it was the main ordinance supply depot for the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, it was from this site that ships loaded their weapons, canon balls and gunpowder before leaving Portsmouth Harbour. It was from this site that HMS Victory would have collected her weapons and munitions before leaving to fight at the Battle of Trafalgar. The HMS Vernon site was badly damaged during the bombing of the second world war and many building were destroyed. Some original buildings do still remain, as mentioned earlier the Old Customs House pub is housed in an old Royal Naval administrative building and the Aspex Gallery, free admission, is housed in the Vulcan building another listed building that survived the bombing.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION. Address: Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TZ. Tel: 02392 836700 Opening hours:
- Monday-Friday 10am to 7pm
- Saturday 9am to 7pm
- Sunday 10am to 5pm (some of the larger stores open at 11.00am)
- Bank Holidays 10am to 7pm
Car Park:
- 1,533 space multistory underground car park.
- Open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Shopmobility scheme: Operates from the car park office. Tel: 02392 836773