Upgraded bus shelters coming to Rushmoor, Hart and Gosport following County Council partnership with Clear Channel UK

Residents in Rushmoor, Hart and Gosport will benefit from 151 upgraded bus shelters, some featuring eco-friendly ‘Living Roofs’ and solar panels, following a new commercial agreement between Hampshire County Council and Clear Channel UK

Jan 22 2025

The modern shelters, with seating, are equipped with ultra-low power LED smart lighting and are constructed using recycled and upcycled materials. 
 
Councillor Kirsty North, Cabinet Lead for Universal Services at Hampshire County Council, commented: "We want bus travel to be a convenient and an attractive option for residents so that we can help operators to keep services running and to reduce car use. As a result of this new deal with Clear Channel, we will provide a sizeable number of upgraded bus shelters, many with climate-friendly features, at no additional cost to the County Council. This is the latest example of how we are taking new approaches to providing services to residents and raise income at a time when public funds are under huge pressure."
 
Will Ramage, Managing Director at Clear Channel, said: “Our collaboration with Hampshire County Council is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how smart design and green infrastructure can make a meaningful impact. By integrating digital screens and Living Roofs in Rushmoor, Hart, and Gosport, we’re not only modernising public infrastructure but also enhancing the local environment. Our aim is to create bus shelters that go beyond providing a space to wait - they become a platform for engaging communities, promoting sustainability, and supporting public health initiatives.”
 
Under the new contract, Clear Channel will oversee the maintenance of the bus shelters as well as manage advertising space for commercial use, with a ten per cent allocation of free space also available for public campaigns run by the County Council. A portion of the revenue generated from shelter advertising will provide a guaranteed income to the authority.  
 
A total of 36 Living Roofs (also known as ‘Bee Bus Stops’) – bus shelter roofs that are covered in wildflower and sedum plants - will be installed across Gosport, Hart and Rushmoor offering an attractive feature that can reduce flooding by absorbing falling rainwater, filter pollutants to improve air quality, and provide habitats for wildlife to thrive. Solar panels will also be installed on a number of shelters.  
 
The new shelters are expected to be installed in Rushmoor from early 2025; and in Hart and Gosport across the second half of 2025 and into 2026.