Purpose

To seek approval for the approach
to public realm improvements in the West Street and the wider town centre area,
and to agree in principle the first phase of delivery to support the objectives
of the Fareham Town Centre Regeneration Strategy.

 

Fareham Borough Council is
continuing to deliver its ambitious Fareham Town Centre Regeneration Strategy
2025-2035, with a focus on revisiting West Street and the wider town centre
through high-quality public realm improvements. 
The report seeks Executive approval for the first phase of enhancements,
which include a new inclusive play zone, a replacement bandstand, and upgraded
seating and planting areas. These improvements aim to transform West Street
into a vibrant, welcoming “central heart” of the town, supporting social
interaction, play, and community events. 
The proposals are aligned with the Regeneration Strategy’s core principles
of creating a connected, thriving, inclusive and distinctive town centre.

 

The first phase will be funded
through a combination of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF),
which must be spent by March 2026, and the Henry Cort West Street Reserve.  Engagement with residents, businesses, and
stakeholders will shape the final designs, ensuring they reflect local needs
and aspirations.  Subject to planning
approval, works are expected to begin in January 2026.

 

The report also outlines a
delivery strategy, design principles, and governance arrangements to ensure the
improvements are cohesive, high quality and responsive to future opportunities.

 

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive:

 

(a)  approves
the principle of public realm improvements to the West Street area and the wider
town centre in accordance with objectives set out in the Regeneration Strategy;

 

(b)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves the delivery approach and
broad locations for Phase 1 Improvements and Civic Garden lighting and
delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to agree the
final proposals, including possible additional locations, after consultation
with the Executive Member for Policy and Resources;

 

(c)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, delegates authority to the
Director of Planning and Regeneration to agree final design and detailing of
the play zone following consultation with the Executive Member for Leisure and
Community;

 

(d)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, delegates authority to the
Director of Planning and Regeneration to agree the approach to the design and
detailing of the street furnishings, final design proposals and the tree
lighting, following consultation with the Executive Member for Policy and Resources;

 

(e)  subject
to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves a maximum budget of:

 

·        
£235,146 UKSPF funding

 

·        
Up to £213,000 from the Henry Cort West Street
Reserve

 

To deliver the
Phase 1 improvements and Civic Gardens lighting 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

 

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