Press Release

23 July 2026

Council approves next phase of investment in Fareham Shopping Centre

Exciting improvements to entrances, a new shopping arcade and public spaces move forward as part of town centre regeneration.

Fareham Borough Council has approved the next phase of investment in Fareham Shopping Centre, marking another important step in the transformation of Fareham Town Centre.

At a Special Executive meeting on 22 July, the Council agreed proposals to progress a programme of improvements to the shopping centre, including upgraded entrances, a new shopping arcade, improvements to public squares, modern public toilets and essential maintenance works.

The proposals, which are designed by Leslie Jones Architecture, are a step towards delivery of the wider Fareham Town Centre Masterplan. They follow positive feedback about the creation of a shopping arcade from people at public exhibitions and engagement events held over the past nine months. The investment will help create a more attractive, welcoming and accessible destination for residents, businesses and visitors.

The first phase of works will focus on highly visible improvements to enhance the look and feel of the shopping centre and strengthen links between key destinations in the town centre with:

• Improvements to Fareham Shopping Centre's main entrances
• Creation of an enhanced shopping arcade to attract a diverse occupier mix and connect Fareham Live and the Civic Gardens to West Street
• Upgrades to Thackeray Square and Westbury Square, including the ability to use the squares as events spaces, while retaining the current offer
• Relocation and modernisation of public toilet facilities
• Essential maintenance works across the shopping centre

A second phase will extend refurbishment works to other retained areas of the shopping centre and Delme Square, helping create a consistent and attractive environment throughout the town centre.

The designs take inspiration from Fareham's heritage, including the rich colour of Fareham Red Bricks and the Victorian Railway Viaduct, while delivering a modern and vibrant destination that supports shopping, leisure and community activities. The project will also follow a sustainability-led approach, prioritising the reuse of existing structures and materials wherever possible.

Councillor Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting milestone in our plans to regenerate Fareham Town Centre. "

"These improvements will help create a more welcoming and attractive town centre, building on the success of Fareham Live and encouraging more people to visit, spend time here and support local businesses. "

"The investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering the Town Centre Masterplan and creating a vibrant, accessible and sustainable town centre for the future."

Works are expected to get underway in early 2027.

Further engagement on the Masterplan will take place this autumn, giving residents the opportunity to provide feedback before a planning application is submitted.

The bold proposals will transform the town centre, delivering a modern shopping destination with enhanced entrances, a landmark new town square, upgraded Civic Gardens and space for new homes, creating a more vibrant place to live, work and visit.

As part of the wider Masterplan, the Council is committed to ensuring all existing public services, including the library, Citizens Advice, NHS Services and the Job Centre, stay in the town centre.

To find out more about the town centre regeneration programme, and view the emerging designs, visit www.fareham.gov.uk/farehamtowncentre.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Visuals of the emerging designs are on the Council’s website.

Fareham Town Centre regeneration is a key project set out in Priority Four of the Council’s Corporate Strategy: promote economic development.

RivingtonHark is advising Fareham Borough Council on development and asset management of the shopping centre and masterplan.

Find more information about the Council’s Corporate Priorities in the Corporate Strategy here: www.fareham.gov.uk/corporatestrategy

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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