Construction company to complete new arts and entertainment venue

FAREHAM Borough Council has appointed a construction contractor to complete a new arts and entertainment venue in the town.

Neilcott Construction Limited will complete the construction of Fareham Live, formerly Ferneham Hall, which closed its doors in January 2020. The council has agreed to allocate £16.69m to fund the site’s completion, as part of its plans to redevelop the civic quarter and regenerate Fareham town centre.

The contractor, based in Winchester delivers bespoke, high-quality construction solutions across the south east.

Construction works are expected to start later this summer with the anticipated launch of Fareham Live by spring 2024.

Executive member for leisure and community at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Sue Walker, said: ‘I am really pleased that Neilcott has been selected as our official contractors on this project. They have considerable experience working with public sector organisations to deliver quality, sustainable solutions. Being based in Winchester, I am confident that Neilcott will help us transform Ferneham Hall into a go-to cultural venue which will help kickstart further investment into our town centre.’ John Papworth, regional commercial director at Neilcott Construction added: ‘Neilcott is delighted to be working on this ambitious scheme to upgrade the entertainment, arts and community facilities at Ferneham Hall. The project involves complex extension, and our technical expertise will ensure that both new and existing venue areas offer an improved visitor experience.’