On Wednesday 27th May, a community meeting was held to inform the public of where matters stand in implementing plans for regeneration of Waterlooville Town Centre.
Since January 2024, Havant Borough Council has been developing a masterplan for the whole of Waterlooville Town Centre. Using an external project team of planners, designers and architects, the masterplan has provided a vision and a plan for future regeneration. It will be used to identify key areas of growth, future development and identify improvements to the local economy, town centre precinct and its surrounding areas.
As part of this, several engagement exercises were delivered as it was vital that as many people as possible had the opportunity to express their views.
During 2024 this led to a masterplan for the entire Waterlooville Town Centre, this being an aspirational plan as and if funding can be forthcoming. Part of the plan, covering the area between the Bandstand and the Clock Tower costed out at £800,000 by Havant Borough Council and funding was secured and ring fenced. These improvements include seating, greenery, and other features to enhance accessibility and the overall experience of the town centre.
Project management was then sub-contracted to Hampshire County Council. Hampshire needed to oversee and approve all aspects of the project as Waterlooville Precinct is Hampshire County Council land, and the County has far more extensive resources for project management than Havant Borough. It seems that with Hampshire reassessing the costings, with refining of the design and rising material and labour costs and including their own costs in managing it all, the bill for the work required has increased from the initial estimate of £800,000 to £1.8 million. An astonishing increase of 125% which led to expressions of some incredulity from some members of the public at the meeting.
That said, the funding gap has been addressed by approval of a Community Infrastructure Levy of £1M, but the funding issue means that work on implementation, originally expected in 2026, will now commence in 2027.
The meeting also revealed plans for a substantial refurbishment of the Waterlooville Leisure Centre. This project has a budget of £3.04 million, funded by £2.8 million from Havant Borough Council, £200,000 from Winchester City Council, and £562,000 from Horizon Leisure Trust (which runs the centre).
The existing leisure centre is 30 years old and refurbishment is well overdue. The project will provide increased capacity, a bigger smart gym, spin studio, reformer pilates, holistic and wellness, changing village, new spa and recovery suite, and a completely refreshed café.
