Havant Borough Council is taking another step forward in its plans to breathe new life into Waterlooville town centre, through a comprehensive programme of regeneration.
Seven businesses have been announced as being successful in gaining funding to assist them in bringing their business to Waterlooville to help bring vacant units back into use.
Set to bring footfall back to the area following the shift in shopping habits and many high street brands either moving online or disappearing altogether, the council launched its vacant shop scheme in 2023 and has focused on businesses that will promote footfall to the town centre.
The seven new independent and small shops have been awarded a share of £140,000 of funding, supported by UK Government and Havant Borough Council, to assist them in bringing a range of services, entertainment, and wellness establishments.
A role-play café for children, dog groomers, and an all-day modern and vibrant establishment serving food and entertainment are all part of the agreed vacant shop scheme.
The grants will be used for significant visual or physical improvements to the frontline business operations for:
Keen to make the area feel more welcoming, the council has already begun to enhance the aesthetic look of the town centre by installing colourful banners showing the history of Waterlooville. The introduction of painted street art and a pocket park are soon to be introduced.
Work is also underway in Wellington Way, by the landowners, to bring the area back into use, with completion expected in April 2025. This work forms part of the draft Waterlooville Town Centre Master Plan.
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet lead for Regeneration and Communities said “We are committed to the long-term regeneration of Waterlooville town centre and the need for the Master Plan to create a clear vision and attract inward investment into the area.
We aim to provide a mixture of leisure and social activities as well as retail that offers products and services that are not available online, together with opportunities for future town centre living.”
Olivia May, one of the Directors from Babyccinos talked about what the Vacant Shop Scheme meant to her business. She said “As two mums raised in Waterlooville, we have been working towards launching our business, Babyccinos Play café.
“Being awarded this grant under the Waterlooville Vacant Shop Scheme has given us the opportunity to open our facility in a far more accessible location, right in the heart of Waterlooville.
“We are grateful for the assistance of the council as the grant will ensure that local families have a safe and engaging social hub to visit when in the town.”
From Barbers Beauty Paws dog groomers, Steph Barnes added “This grant has been life-changing. I looked into getting a shop at the beginning of the year and after looking at funds, I couldn't afford it, so I put a pin in the shop idea.
“Getting this grant confirmed meant that not only could I get a shop ready for trading, but it also meant I could start building my business up and have people working in my shop. This has always wanted to be my next step in my career and it has now been possible with this grant and I can't thank everyone enough!"
Liam Howes, Director of the role-play café also spoke about his support of the scheme and said, “Without the support of the grant from Havant borough council, our dream of bringing a fun new family hub to our community would not have been possible financially. It has enabled us to have the opportunity to bring somewhere fresh and exciting for families which will contribute to bringing our town centre back to life again.”
The Waterlooville Town Centre Master Plan, once adopted will enable Havant Borough Council to attract developers and create a clear vision for development.
The council wants to ensure that the town centre responds effectively and takes the opportunity to re-invent itself by offering a wide range of uses alongside vibrant and well-connected public spaces to ensure its continued success for the long-term future and prosperity of the area.