Town centre’s ‘bold’ regeneration plans going under the microscope
A “bold” plan to regenerate Fareham is being drawn up to boost the town centre, with a range of ideas including al fresco dining, more events and a pop-up beach put forward.
More than 1,100 residents, businesses, children and parents got involved with the first two phases of the town centre regeneration strategy and action plan, telling Fareham Borough Council what they wanted to see change in Fareham and how they felt about the town.
Now, Fareham Borough Council’s leader expects a bold action plan to be drawn up, with council documents stating it has a strong ambition to reverse the decline of Fareham town centre through regeneration, recognising the wider placemaking, economic regeneration and health benefits a more successful town centre would bring.
“This could include improved leisure offer, alongside a wider array of food and beverage with entertainment facilities, new homes and improved parking provision, as well as a reconsideration of the scale and function of the retail offer,” it said.
Next Monday, a Fareham Borough Council cabinet meeting is set to kick things off by discussing the ideas from the first stages, with short, medium and long-term strategies to be discussed with a primary objective of unifying walking between the town centre, Fareham Shopping Centre and Fareham Live events centre.
The ‘quick fix temporary interventions’ include enlivening the walkway linking north/south with colourful installations, pop-up kiosks, enlivening the bandstand, putting up catenary lighting, a pop-up beach, al fresco dining and an interactive hoarding.
Everything is up for discussion including car parking, green spaces, housing, decreasing vacant shops, repurposing heritage buildings, focusing on Fareham culture and craft, and creating new outdoor market spaces.
Council leader Councillor Seán Woodward said: “I am delighted with the high levels of interest and engagement in the town centre we have seen in the consultations.
“Residents are passionate about our town centre. It is testament to the shared commitment of Fareham’s community to make it the best it can be, and the range of ideas identified pave the way for an exciting future.
“My hope, as I move towards the end of my tenure as leader of the council, is that I leave with a bold action plan in place to create a new sense of purpose and vibrancy for our town centre.”
Council documents said the town centre plays an important role in the retail hierarchy, providing a range of shops and facilities, but shop vacancy rates are higher than the national average in the town centre at 15 per cent and Fareham Shopping Centre at 33 per cent, while West Street at nine per cent is below the national average.
Key things people said in the survey included: “The reversal of declining retail and leisure in the town is important to us. Better connections and improved user experience is vital to creating vitality in our town centre.”
It also mentioned the importance of a safe environment and that: “Fareham has lost its way, we need to bring back pride in our town – events, enhance our heritage, promote the good.
“We are undecided on town centre housing – but Whiteley, Chichester and Gunwharf living looks positive.”
Documents also said comments made to the council included: “Quality is important to us – new buildings, landscape need to reflect Fareham’s character.
“When is this going to happen – is this another false dawn – we want certainty – trust is key to us. What is a masterplan? Have we not had one of these before?”
The council’s housing service has also exchanged contracts to purchase the Birks Building (also known as Foresters Hall) on West Street for housing purposes.
The Fareham town centre regeneration strategy and action plan is to be agreed by the executive in July 2024.