Gunwharf Quays

infobox shopping mall
shopping_mall_name = Gunwharf Quays

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|thumb|right|250px
caption = The East Plaza at Gunwharf Quays
location = Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
opening_date =
developer =
manager =
owner= Land Sercurities
number_of_stores = 90
number_of_anchors =
floor_area =
parking =
floors = 2
website = [http://www.gunwharf-quays.com www.gunwharf-quays.com]

Gunwharf Quays is an area of Portsmouth, Hampshire, now home to a large shopping centre.

History

The centre opened on 28 February 2001 and is located on the site of the former Royal Navy shore establishment HMS Vernon, renamed HMS Nelson (Vernon Site) on March 31, 1986. In 1987, the establishment was renamed HMS Nelson (Gunwharf) although locally it continued to be known as HMS Vernon. The concept for the redevelopment was by local architects HGP. Its very successful exploitation of its harbourside situation (cf. Baltimore, USA) and the sympathetic integration of old and new architecture makes an interesting contrast with past redevelopments such as the Tricorn.

Centre Information

The centre contains 95 designer shopping outlets as well as 25 bars and restaurants and the Spinnaker Tower. There is also a 14-screen Vue cinema, a Bowlplex bowling alley, a Jongleurs comedy club, a contemporary art gallery, and a 120 bed hotel. Currently under construction is a 26 storey Skyscraper under the title Number One, built to resemble a funnel. This makes a seafaring composition with the existing sail-like Spinnaker Tower. There are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants located by the waterfront with a view of shipping movements into Portsmouth Harbour.

The waterfront overlooks the Gunwharf Quays Marina which has hosted many national and international sailing events such as the Volvo Ocean Race in Summer 2006. The marina accommodates luxurious multi-million pound superyachts and famous tall ships from around the globe.

The centre is located close to the Historic Dockyard and "Old Portsmouth". It can be accessed quickly from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and "the Hard" bus interchange, or via a relatively short walk from Commercial Road.

The Berkeley Group plc was responsible for the development of Gunwharf Quays, which is now owned by Land Securities.The area has also become an extremely affluent residential area of Portsmouth, and houses many luxurious apaprtment buildings.

Beach Volleyball Event

On 8-10 August 2008, the centre played host to a beach volleyball tournament for the first time, when the Dodge Urban Beach Tour arrived at Portsmouth. [ [http://www.gunwharf-quays.com/play(home)-178.htm Gunwharf to host beach volleyball] ]

Gallery

ee also

*Portsmouth
*Berkeley Group plc
*Land Sercurities

References

External links

* [http://www.gunwharf-quays.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.gunwharf-quays.com/history.htm History of Gunwharf Quays]
* [http://www.geocities.com/portsmouthguide Portsmouth City Guide]
* [http://www.oldportsmouth.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=32 FOOPA History of Gunwharf Gate]