Purpose

To seek approval for the
continued provision and enhancement of an evening route through Fareham Shopping
Centre, connecting Fareham Live to West Street and Market Quay.  It outlines proposals to support Fareham town
centre regeneration by improving connectivity, activating public spaces, and
developing a vibrant evening economy through events, pop up markets, and
targeted interventions.  The report also recommends
funding for ongoing security provision and the creation of a dedicated part-time
Marketing and Events post to ensure coordinated delivery and long-term impact.

 

The Council is progressing its
ambitious regeneration strategy for Fareham Town Centre, with a focus on
reversing long-term decline and creating a vibrant, inclusive and distinctive
destination.  A key component is the
establishment of a permanent evening route through Fareham Shopping Centre (FSC),
connecting Fareham Live to West Street and Market Quay.  Following a successful one-year trial, the route
has demonstrated its value in improving connectivity, supporting the evening
economy, and enhancing visitor experience. 
The report recommends continued provision of the route, supported by
annual funding for security, and outlines a phased programme of enhancements
including public realm improvements, pop up markets, and activation od
underused spaces such as Thackeray Square and the Ping Pong Parlour.

 

To ensure effective delivery and
build momentum, the report proposes the creation of a dedication part-time Marketing
and Events post within the FSC Management team. 
This role would coordinate activations, support tenants, and lead
targeted communications to shape public perception and foster community
engagement.  The proposed interventions
aim to position Fareham as a compelling evening destination, encourage longer
dwell times, support local businesses, and align with the Council’s long-term
vision for a thriving town centre.  The
report also sets out a clear framework for monitoring and evaluation, ensuring
the programme remains responsive to local needs and delivers measurable impact.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive:

 

(a)  approves
the principal of the ongoing provision of an evening route between Fareham
Live, through FSC to West Street and Market Quay Car Park;

 

(b)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves an annual budget up to
£95,000 to provide security officers at FSC and delegates authority to the
Director of Planning and Regeneration to enter into or
vary contracts to secure the delivery of this, within the agreed budget;

 

(c)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves the proposals for the
Evening Route including evening food and drink offer alongside events and
entertainment and delegates authority to the Director of Planning and
Regeneration to enter into or vary contracts to secure
the delivery of this, within the agreed budget;

 

(d)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves the proposals for the
Ping Pong Parlour and delegates authority to the Director of Planning and
Regeneration to enter into or vary contracts to secure
the delivery of this, within the agreed budget;

 

(e)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves the proposals for the
temporary Pop-Up Retail Unit and delegates authority to the Director of
Planning and Regeneration to enter into or vary
contracts to secure the delivery of this, within the agreed budget;

 

(f)   subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, agrees a one-off revenue budget of
£60,000 to fund a fixed-term part-time Marketing and Events post at Fareham
Shopping Centre (FSC) Management and delegates authority to the Director of
Planning and Regeneration to enter into or vary
contracts to secure the delivery of this, within the agreed budget; and

 

(g)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, delegates authority to the
Director of Planning and Regeneration to draw on the remaining regeneration
budget, if necessary, to achieve the delivery of the above.