£1.8m revamp of Waterlooville town centre approved with new seating, trees and paving planned
The town centre is to be given a welcoming new look
Shoppers and businesses in Waterlooville are set to see their town centre transformed after a £1.8 million scheme to install new seating areas, trees, planting and paving in the heart of the town has been approved.
Hampshire County Council has signed off the scheme, which will transform part of London Road with new public spaces, landscaped seating areas, cycle parking and upgraded paving as part of wider regeneration plans for the town centre.
Approved by the executive member for highways and passenger transport, Cllr Steve Forster, at his decision day on October 19, the project is being funded entirely by Havant Borough Council with Hampshire County Council responsible for delivering the work.
Work is due to start in February 2027 and could take up to 34 weeks. The council said arrangements will be made to help customers continue accessing businesses during the works.
The improvements will be focused on the pedestrianised section of London Road between numbers 93 and 109 and include three landscaped seating areas, a large central courtyard with planting beds and benches, additional trees, cycle parking and new paving throughout the site. Drainage improvements and changes to lighting are also planned.
Council documents say the investment is intended to make the town centre more attractive, encourage people to spend more time there and support local businesses by increasing footfall.
The scheme forms part of the wider Waterlooville Town Centre Masterplan and follows consultation with residents, businesses, landowners and community groups.
According to the report, much of the existing paving and infrastructure is approaching the end of its life and would soon require maintenance work. The replacement materials are expected to have a lifespan of around 50 years.
The project is also intended to improve accessibility, with additional seating and resting places for older people, residents with mobility difficulties and parents with pushchairs.
The redesigned area will feature level access throughout. Construction is expected to finish in October 2027.