URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2744

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to provide an update on progress with the Fareham Park Vision, outline the next steps in awarding the tender for the Design and construction stage of the new community facilities, and propose delegated authority for awarding this tender.   The report also reviews the funding allocated towards this corporate priority and recommends options for addressing the predicted financial shortfall, while setting out the anticipated timescale for the project’s completion.   In 2022, the Government launces the £2.6 billion UK shared Prosperity Fund as part of its Levelling Up agenda, with the intention of reducing inequalities between communities.   Following a successful application and the submission of a detailed proposal, Fareham Borough Council was allocated £1 million of the Fund.  Of the Council’s allocation, £700,000 was to be used on the creation of a community-led Masterplan for much needed affordable housing alongside first phase works on improved community and leisure facilities for Fareham Park.   This allocation was to be combined with £1.75 million in Section 106 contributions to provide a substantial budget to kick start the ‘Fareham Park Vision’.   Initial works to install a new children’s play area that is suitable for all ages and abilities, improve the sports pitches on site, engage with the local community regarding their requirements for community facilities and the subsequent submission of an Outline Planning Application for these facilities have all been successfully completed.   The Outline Planning consent identified several factors that require further consideration in the Reserved Matters stage of the Planning Application.  These were:   ·         lighting, particularly in relation to pétanque terrain; ·         final designs of the internal layout and external appearance of the new community centre; ·         confirmation of car parking availability due to the lack of clarity regarding the timeframe within which the Henry Cort College car parks will be returned to the Council; ·         a comprehensive drainage strategy due to the inherently poor drainage in this area; and ·         confirmation of the Biodiversity Net Gain from the alterations / consideration of the quantity of Biodiversity Credits required to be purchase from a registered site.   All of these matters are being progressed, alongside the consideration of the energy supply requirements of both the new community centre (Phase 2) ad the affordable housing scheme (Phase 3) that will follow.   The draft internal layout and external appearance designs are marked Appendix A and B.   This report seeks the Executive’s approval to progress with the tender for the Design and Construction stage of the project.  He successful contractor will work with the Council on the details for the final design, which will provide the final key information required for the Reserved Matters stage of Planning and ultimately enable the construction of the new Community Centre.   This report also requests approval to delegate authority to the Director of Community and Corporate Services, following consultation with the Executive member for Leisure and Community, to award this contract.  The delegation ensures there are no unnecessary delays to the completion of this phase of the project, which is scheduled for Spring 2028.   Phase 2 of the Fareham Park Vision, which will see the final design and construction of the new Community Centre, has been identified as requiring a budget of £4.2 million.   The Council has been successful in a further application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for £50,000 towards the survey and design costs of Phase 2.  In addition, due to the prudent use of the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation to fund all the improvements and preliminary works that have taken place to date, the full £1.75 million of the Section 106 funds allocated towards the Fareham Park Vision is available for Phase 2.   In collaboration with Bid Writers Moneytree, the Council has identified four potential grants suitable for the Fareham Park Vision, as detailed in Confidential Appendix C.  However, given the significant rise in competition for funding in recent years, the success of these applications cannot be guaranteed.  Accordingly, this report seeks Executive approval for the award of up to £2.4 million to cover any shortfall and ensure the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Vision.

Content: The purpose of the report is to provide an update on progress with the Fareham Park Vision, outline the next steps in awarding the tender for the Design and construction stage of the new community facilities, and propose delegated authority for awarding this tender.   The report also reviews the funding allocated towards this corporate priority and recommends options for addressing the predicted financial shortfall, while setting out the anticipated timescale for the project’s completion.   In 2022, the Government launces the £2.6 billion UK shared Prosperity Fund as part of its Levelling Up agenda, with the intention of reducing inequalities between communities.   Following a successful application and the submission of a detailed proposal, Fareham Borough Council was allocated £1 million of the Fund.  Of the Council’s allocation, £700,000 was to be used on the creation of a community-led Masterplan for much needed affordable housing alongside first phase works on improved community and leisure facilities for Fareham Park.   This allocation was to be combined with £1.75 million in Section 106 contributions to provide a substantial budget to kick start the ‘Fareham Park Vision’.   Initial works to install a new children’s play area that is suitable for all ages and abilities, improve the sports pitches on site, engage with the local community regarding their requirements for community facilities and the subsequent submission of an Outline Planning Application for these facilities have all been successfully completed.   The Outline Planning consent identified several factors that require further consideration in the Reserved Matters stage of the Planning Application.  These were:   ·         lighting, particularly in relation to pétanque terrain; ·         final designs of the internal layout and external appearance of the new community centre; ·         confirmation of car parking availability due to the lack of clarity regarding the timeframe within which the Henry Cort College car parks will be returned to the Council; ·         a comprehensive drainage strategy due to the inherently poor drainage in this area; and ·         confirmation of the Biodiversity Net Gain from the alterations / consideration of the quantity of Biodiversity Credits required to be purchase from a registered site.   All of these matters are being progressed, alongside the consideration of the energy supply requirements of both the new community centre (Phase 2) ad the affordable housing scheme (Phase 3) that will follow.   The draft internal layout and external appearance designs are marked Appendix A and B.   This report seeks the Executive’s approval to progress with the tender for the Design and Construction stage of the project.  He successful contractor will work with the Council on the details for the final design, which will provide the final key information required for the Reserved Matters stage of Planning and ultimately enable the construction of the new Community Centre.   This report also requests approval to delegate authority to the Director of Community and Corporate Services, following consultation with the Executive member for Leisure and Community, to award this contract.  The delegation ensures there are no unnecessary delays to the completion of this phase of the project, which is scheduled for Spring 2028.   Phase 2 of the Fareham Park Vision, which will see the final design and construction of the new Community Centre, has been identified as requiring a budget of £4.2 million.   The Council has been successful in a further application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for £50,000 towards the survey and design costs of Phase 2.  In addition, due to the prudent use of the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation to fund all the improvements and preliminary works that have taken place to date, the full £1.75 million of the Section 106 funds allocated towards the Fareham Park Vision is available for Phase 2.   In collaboration with Bid Writers Moneytree, the Council has identified four potential grants suitable for the Fareham Park Vision, as detailed in Confidential Appendix C.  However, given the significant rise in competition for funding in recent years, the success of these applications cannot be guaranteed.  Accordingly, this report seeks Executive approval for the award of up to £2.4 million to cover any shortfall and ensure the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Vision. RESOLVED that the Executive approves that:   (a)  officers proceed with the tender for the Design and Construction stage of the new Fareham Park Community Centre;   (b)  delegated authority is designated to the Director of Community and Corporate Services, following consultation with the Executive Member for Leisure and Community, for the award of the contract for the Design and Construction works; and   (c)  a maximum of £2.4 million is allocated from unallocated capital receipts and/or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions to cover the financial shortfall (once known following the funding application results as set out in Confidential Appendix C) and to ensure the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Vision.

Date of Decision: February 2, 2026