Fareham shopping centre ‘too big’ as £9.5m revamp - that includes demolition - moves forward

An ageing shopping centre is “too big” and will undergo a major overhaul as millions are invested in transforming its future.

Fareham Borough Council wants to demolish around a third of Fareham Shopping Centre while spending £9.5m on upgrading the parts that remain.

The authority says the centre, built in the late 1970s, is now too large for current retail demand and has long-term vacant space it does not expect to fill.

The plans were discussed at the South Coast CPS at St Mary’s Stadium on November 12, during a session about Fareham Borough Council and its approach to breathing new life into the town centre.

Kirstin Chow, the council’s head of regeneration, said changing shopping habits and the growth of online retail had created a “very challenging environment” for towns of Fareham’s size.

The council secured full control of Fareham Shopping Centre in 2023, which Ms Chow said had allowed it to reshape the town centre rather than simply manage its decline.

She said: “We bought the shopping centre for a reason, not because we like to own shopping centres, but because it fundamentally impacts and influences how the town functions.”

Under the masterplan, around a third of the shopping centre would be demolished to remove space the council believes is no longer needed and make way for different uses.

Ms Chow said: “The masterplan isn’t about demolition, although there is quite a lot of that, but that demolition is for a reason. We know that reflects the vacancy that we currently have, which is long-term, and we know we’re not going to fill that space.”

She made clear that the plans would retain the town’s own character rather than trying to emulate Portsmouth or Southampton.

The existing library is among the buildings due to be demolished, with the council hoping its relocation could help create a stronger “heart of the town”.

Plans also aim to better connect Fareham Live with the shopping centre and protect important services including a GP practice, Citizens Advice and Jobcentre.

Alongside the demolition, Ms Chow said the £9.5m investment would give the ageing complex a much-needed “facelift”.

It would also help businesses compete with retail parks, destination shopping centres, leisure attractions and online retailers.

She added: “Our £9.5m investment sends a clear signal. We’re prepared to back our long-term vision with really significant real investment now.”

The long-term ambition, she said, is to create a town centre combining businesses with improved public spaces, culture and community activity.