Residents, shoppers, and visitors are continuing to shape the future of Waterlooville town centre by helping to form part of the masterplan.
Following recent engagement and public consultation for the next stages of the Waterlooville Town Centre Masterplan, people have voted on what they would like to see improved in the public space of the town centre.
From the five visual choices the preferred option received 43% of the public vote and will now undergo a feasibility study to ensure it is affordable, fit for purpose, and future-proof.
Community engagement with residents and businesses in early 2024 identified things that mattered most for local people. This helped to shape the five draft designs resulting in more than 300 people expressing their opinions on how they would like to see the public realm improved.
Councillor Antonia Harrison, Assistant Cabinet lead for Thriving Waterlooville, said “From the very beginning, it’s been so important to us to get this right for the area. Local voices and insights are at the heart of this project because no one knows the town better than the people who live, work and trade here.
“We want this plan to truly reflect local community needs and ideas, that is why we are working hard to make sure the final designs are not only practical but also accessible for everyone.
“From all our previous engagement events for the Waterlooville Town Centre Masterplan, it has been clear that people want to see more greenery and an appealing design in the town centre.
“I would like to thank everyone who responded to our consultation.”
The improvements will aim to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit, shop and enjoy for residents and visitors, with £800,000 of investment from Havant Borough Council including £150,000 from CIL funding (Community Infrastructure Levy).
Councillor Harrison added: "This level of investment in our high street sends a strong message to potential investors and retailers that we are open for business."
The term ‘public realm’ is used to describe the public spaces between shops and buildings. It includes the pedestrianised shopping area, town centre roads, pavements, lighting, public seating, street furniture, and trees. With a masterplan providing a vision and plan for future regeneration. It is used to identify key areas of growth, future development and identify improvements to the local economy, town centre precinct, and its surrounding areas.
To see the proposed designs please visit: https://havant.govocal.com/.../waterlooville-town-centre...