Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 19, 2026

Purpose: To seek Executive approval for the continuation of the Fareham Town Centre regeneration programme and the associated budgets for 2026/27 in line with the adopted Fareham Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 2025-2035.   The Council has a clear corporate priority to accelerate the regeneration of Fareham Town Centre in line with the adopted Fareham Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 2025–2035. Significant progress has been made since acquisition of Fareham Shopping Centre (FSC) in 2023 and the approval of the Strategy in 2025. Stage One Masterplanning has now been completed, including proposals for the partial demolition of the eastern third of the Shopping Centre, the retention of the Civic Offices as a key economic anchor, the like for like reprovision of car parking, the creation of new development plots for homes and mixed uses, and improved movement through a new north–south route and upgraded arcading. This report seeks Executive approval to progress the Masterplan to the next design stage, including preparation of an outline planning application with detailed elements, continued design development of arcading proposals, testing of car parking solutions, delivery of early enabling work, and advancement of wider regeneration workstreams. The associated capital request totals £2.60m for 2026/27, funded by sufficient capital receipts, alongside £262,200 in revenue funding from reserves. 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.  

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  approves the emerging Town Centre Masterplan as set out in Appendix A and progression to the next design stage, 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 the planning application, including its preparation, submission, ongoing management, and progression through to determination;   (b)  approves continued work on the arcading, car parking options and other identified Town Centre Masterplan delivery workstreams, and delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to progress these workstreams through the next design stage, including detailed design development, technical assessments, costing, and all necessary ongoing negotiations with partners, stakeholders and affected tenants as required;   (c)  subject to the approval of recommendation (a) above, approves a maximum capital expenditure of £1,165,162 for the next stage of development of the Town Centre Masterplan 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 S151 officer for any individual contract awards over £250,000   (d)  subject to the approval of recommendation (b) above, approves a maximum capital expenditure of £1,439,448 for the arcading, car parking options and other identified Town Centre Masterplan delivery workstreams 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 S151 officer for any individual contract awards over £250,000   (e)  approves an increase to the base revenue budget of £262,200 for 2026/2027 (and ongoing) for the continued delivery of regeneration workstreams; and   (f)   notes and agrees the overarching financial approach as detailed in the confidential Appendix C to this report.