Latest update on major overhaul that will see shops demolished and Fareham changed forever

The regeneration scheme is expected to take between 15 and 20 years to fully complete.

As part of the plans, several long-standing retail units — including the former Debenhams store, B&M, Krews Kandy and Millets — would make way for new housing.

The wider transformation follows the opening of Fareham Live and aims to modernise the town centre while creating new homes, public spaces and improved connections through the shopping area.

The proposals would also see the demolition of several existing buildings, including the multi-storey car park, the library, Citizens Advice, the GP surgery and the Jobcentre.

However, council officials say these services will be relocated within the town centre.

Kirstin Clow, head of the transformation programme, said maintaining these community services is a key priority.

“One of the key strengths of our town centre is the services we have. We’ve got an NHS GP practice, the Jobcentre, the library and civic offices — all of which provide vital services to our community and bring important footfall into the town centre.

“It has been very clear how important the library is, particularly as a core community space that offers much more than just library services. It is essential for us to relocate these services in great locations with high-quality facilities.”

Richard Jolley, director of planning and regeneration, said potential new locations are still being considered.

“There are a lot of vacant units in the shopping centre where they could potentially go. We haven’t quite worked out where each piece fits in the jigsaw yet, but there is certainly space for them to be relocated.”

Relocating the library is a key element of the project. Hampshire County Council, which is responsible for library services, is currently in discussions with Fareham Borough Council about a new location.

Ms Clow added that all current library services would be retained following the move.

Many of the buildings earmarked for demolition date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. According to Ms Clow, they are now reaching the point where they are no longer fit for purpose.

The masterplan also aims to improve north–south connections through the town centre, linking West Street with Fareham Live and the Civic Gardens.

Under the proposals, the central route through the shopping centre would become a shopping arcade connecting the West Street to a new garden square.

The square — planned for the current library site — would include food and drink venues and provide a direct route through to Fareham Live.

Ms Clow said the new public square would create a welcoming gateway into the town.

“We would be creating a new square and another arrival point into the town — a clear entrance that connects Fareham Live into the shopping centre and beyond. It will create a very beautiful space where we can hold events.”

Although the demolition of the multi-storey car park is expected to be one of the first stages of the project, the council says there will be no reduction in overall town centre parking. Around 200 spaces will instead be redistributed to other locations.

Ms Clow said the aim is to future-proof the town centre: “By reshaping the shopping centre, we can free up space for other uses, including homes.”

“We want to create a town that works for the next 50 years — a place that reflects how town centres work today while remaining true to who we are as a place.”

Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Simon Martin, said the project has now entered the public consultation phase.

“We are now at the formal exhibition stage and there are still a few details to refine. We’re keen to hear feedback from residents, and we have already made changes based on what people have told us. It has been a really constructive conversation.”

He said the £125 million masterplan will be funded through the council’s strategic property investments and the sale of development plots, rather than direct public funding.

Revenue from the sale of housing plots and future council tax income is also expected to contribute to the project’s long-term funding.

Residents are being invited to help shape the future of the town centre at two public exhibitions, which will take place at the former Clarks store in Fareham Shopping Centre.

The exhibitions will run from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, March 12, and from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, March 14.