URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2703

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

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.  

Content: 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.   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.    

Date of Decision: October 2, 2025