News Release
Joint press release by Havant Borough Council and Hampshire
County Council
Councils talk to improve heritage and arts facilities
Councillors and senior officers from Havant Borough Council and
Hampshire County Council have been meeting to review options for
the future of museum and arts facilities in the Borough of Havant
to create a more efficient service.
Working with the Board of Havant Arts Centre, the Friends of
Havant Museum and other partners, a new joint ‘Heritage and Arts
Centre’ on the site in East Street is proposed to create a high
quality, efficient and cost effective facility which will be
jointly funded by both councils.
The centre would offer accessible facilities to engage the
public with a vibrant programme of historical and contemporary
exhibitions, performance and participatory activities. It would
also provide a valuable learning and local historical resource for
schools, families and the community at large.
An integrated heritage and arts facility would celebrate
Havant’s sense of place and tell the stories of Havant’s local
communities and environment in an accessible, innovative and
exciting way.
The existing arts centre will take on a new life as an
integrated heritage and arts centre with plans for a brand new
refurbishment, should grant applications be successful. This will
include opening up the ground floor and creating a new single entry
point as well as the removal of old displays which will be replaced
by new up to date local displays, ultimately providing a modern and
exciting new venue for Havant residents to enjoy.
“I am delighted to support the development of this initiative
that will improve the provision and access of museum and arts
facilities in our Borough” said Councillor Lenaghan, Portfolio
Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Havant Borough Council
Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation,
Heritage and Communities, Councillor Margaret Snaith
said,”Hampshire County Council strongly supports these proposals as
it will create a centre in Havant which will improve cultural
provision in the area by widening the range of activities on offer
to the whole community.
“If agreed, work behind the scenes will commence immediately
with the hope that the new facility will be in full working order
by the end of the year. A facility which I believe will become a
real cultural destination for people of all ages and provide
excellent value for money.”