Council unveils £125m plan to transform town centre

A council has unveiled a £125m "masterplan" to transform its town centre.

Fareham Borough Council has set out proposals to reshape its shopping centre, improve public spaces and parking, as well to build about 200 new homes.

It said the scheme offered a "compelling vision" for a busier, greener town centre that would be easier to navigate and felt safe, welcoming and well‑cared‑for.

Council leader Simon Martin said the authority was "setting out an exciting, achievable vision for the future."

He added: "This investment will significantly broaden what Fareham has to offer. It will bring better leisure and recreation opportunities, improved shops, high quality public spaces and strong, modern community services."

He confirmed that "key facilities" including the library and health centre would "remain in the heart of the town centre.

But he said some services might move into "newer, more modern spaces".

The council has said it will hold public engagement events on the 12 and 14 March, as well as during the summer, before it submits an outline planning application.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.