‘Long-term vision’ to regenerate Waterlooville
Havant Borough Council is bringing together a ‘longterm vision’ for Waterlooville in a bid to regenerate the town centre.
Following plans submitted earlier this year to revamp the WellingtonWayshoppingcentre,thecouncilhascommented on its wider vision for the area after consulting residents and businesses.
Waterlooville town centre has seen an economic decline overtheyearsduetothechangesinhighstreetsandshopping practices.
It was previously reported that CCTV cameras would be installed in the town centre to deter anti-social behaviour – more than 100 incidents were reported over a six-month period.
A council spokesperson said: ‘We are looking at the feedbackwehavereceivedfrom residents and local businesses to bring together a long-term vision for Waterlooville town centre. Businesses, in particular, have expressed the need for more shops, leisure facilitiesandcarparkinginthetown centre to boost the area.
‘We are also working with the major property owners as they are key for any regenerationplansandmeanwhileuses.
‘Thecouncilhascommitted funds to bring forward a Masterplan for Waterlooville. This willgiveusastrategicplantoregenerate the town centre.
‘Thecouncilhasalsoinvested funds in CCTV to help deal with some of the anti-social behaviour that has occurred in the area.
‘We will be prioritising someshort-terminterventions tosupportlocalbusinessesand look at ways to make the town centre look more vibrant and appealing.
‘As part of this, we have recently appointed a designated officer for Waterlooville town centre to concentrate on these interventions and look at how wecanlowervacancyratesand increase footfall.
‘Planning applications have been submitted by a third party for Wellington Way and the council is currently working with the applicant.’
It comes following the departure of a number of businesses from the high street in recent years, with ShoeZone being the latest to fall.
Anyone who wishes to vieworcommentonthelatest plans can visit the council’s planning portal using references APP/23/00105 for Block B, APP/23/00106 for Block C andAPP/23/00107forBlockD.