Westbury Manor: New life for empty museum as youth hub plan unveiled
The Grade II-listed building has stood empty since the end of 2024 - but could soon have a new lease of life
A historic town centre building could soon be filled with young people instead of museum visitors.
A planning application has been submitted to temporarily turn former museum Westbury Manor in Fareham into a youth hub for up to two years.
The Grade II-listed building, owned by Fareham Borough Council, has stood empty since the end of 2024 when Hampshire Cultural Trust ended its lease and ceased operating the museum.
Now, the council is backing plans for Y Services to move into the landmark building temporarily while a long-term future for the site is arranged.
Planning documents submitted by consultancy Turley on behalf of the council say the proposal would see the building used for youth-related community activities, including targeted support sessions, youth clubs and a youth café.
The youth café would not operate as a standalone business.
Instead, it would be used as part of the wider youth service, providing opportunities for young people to develop hospitality, customer service and employability skills.
According to the application, Y Services currently operates from the X-Perience Youth Centre in Trinity Street but is looking for a more “sustainable and accessible” town centre location.
Westbury Manor, next to the town’s bus station, has been identified as a suitable temporary base.
The application seeks permission for a temporary change of use from a museum to a community facility for up to two years. Documents state the building would revert to its authorised use once Y Services leaves.
Planning papers argue the move would prevent the building from remaining vacant, and also claim that changing the use would increase footfall in the town centre and provide benefits for young people.
The application states separate work is already underway to explore broader future uses for the building.
No physical alterations to the listed building are proposed, and planning documents state the change of use would have no significant impact on its historic character.
The council’s Town Centre Regeneration Strategy identifies Westbury Manor as a site where a new operator should eventually be found as part of plans to support the town centre.
A decision on the application will be made by Fareham Borough Council in due course.