URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2704

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

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.

Content: 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. 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.

Date of Decision: October 2, 2025