Former Poundwise Portchester set to become 24-hour off-licence as application submitted to Fareham Borough Council
The site of a former discount store could soon be turned into a massive off-licence.
Last year, Poundwise Portchester closed its doors after almost a decade of trading, having previously been the site of Quids In, and Mr Cheap prior to that.
Since its closure, the site at 40-42 West Street has remained dormant, with speculation rife as to what sort of business could set up shop there.
Now, thanks to a licensing application submitted to Fareham Borough Council, we now have a better idea of the store’s future. A notice has been placed on the shutters of the unit, informing passers-by of the application.
It reads: “An application has been made to Fareham Borough Council on February 9 2026 for a premises licence at 40-42 West Street.
“Details of the application are as follows: sale of alcohol off the premises, Monday-Sunday 24 hours.”
With no planning applications in place, there is nothing to suggest a change of use to a different type of business, so it’s more likely that it will become a 24-hour convenience store.
At the moment, there are no 24-hour stores operating in or around Portchester precinct, with Tesco Express closing at 11pm.
The applicant is named as Bhadrakali Limited, which appears to have no affiliation to big franchise convenience stores like Premier; there is already another one further along the precinct.
According to Companies House, the company is owned by Mehulkumar Shukal, who lives in Edgeware, Middlesex. The shop itself was sold in May 2025 via auction, selling for £322,000 - £58k less than the guide price.
Fareham Borough Council has issued a deadline of March 9 for representations. After that, the proposals will go before council members for deliberation.