Purpose

To seek Executive approval for the next stage of delivery of improvements to Fareham Shopping Centre entrances, arcade, squares, WC relocation, maintenance and wider refurbishment works.

The report seeks Executive approval to progress the nest stage of investment in Fareham Shopping Centre (FSC) as an early and visible phase of the Fareham Town Centre Masterplan. The proposals will support the Council’s ambition to accelerate town centre regeneration, enhance visitor experience, strengthen the local economy and improve the long-term viability of the retained elements of FSC.

The investment will deliver a programme of refurbishment and improvement works focused on four key areas: upgraded shopping centre entrances, the creation of an enhanced shopping arcade and improvements to Thackaray and Westbury Squares, relocation and modernisation of public toilet facilities, and essential maintenance works across the centre.  A second phase will extend refurbishment works to the related eastern and western sections of FSC and Delme Square, creating a consistent and attractive environment throughout the centre.

The proposals are intended to improve the quality, appearance and functionality of FSC, increasing footfall, supporting existing businesses, attracting new occupiers and reinforcing Fareham’s role as a retail. Leisure and cultural destination.  The design approach draws on Fareham’s role as a retail, leisure and cultural destination.  The design approach draws on Fareham’s heritage while delivering a contemporary and commercially attractive environment.

 A capital budget of £9,447,000 is required to progress detailed design, planning, procurement and delivery of the works. The proposals adopt a sustainability-led, “reuse first” approach, maximising retention of existing structures, preserving embodied carbon and improving long-term environmental performance.

Approving these recommendations will maintain momentum, provide financial certainty, and ensure continued delivery of a comprehensive, phased regeneration programme that strengthens Fareham’s economy, enhances public spaces, increases housing supply, and creates a more vibrant, accessible and resilient town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a) notes the emerging design approach for the FSC entrances, arcade, squares, WC relocation, maintenance and wider refurbishment works and delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration, following consultation with the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, to progress all aspects of delivery, including detailed design development, submission of planning applications (as required), procurement of contractor/s, technical assessments and all necessary ongoing negotiations with partners, stakeholders and affected tenants as required; and

(b) subject to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves a maximum capital expenditure of £9,447,000 for the delivery of works and delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to enter into contracts to secure this, within the agreed budget as follows:

·         individual contracts for £250,000 and under, or

·         following consultation with the Section 151 Officer for any individual contract awards over £250,000.