Members of Havant Borough Council’s cabinet have agreed to refresh and update its Regeneration Strategy to ensure it focuses on the future needs of the borough.
Market conditions and how retailers operate have changed significantly since the strategy was adopted in 2018. The review will incorporate new opportunities that are available, whilst looking at how to overcome challenges, many of which have accelerated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the launch of the strategy, significant progress has already been made, including the sale of unused land at Brockhampton West; purchase of the Meridian Shopping Centre and nearby Bulbeck Road car park; and the proposal of linking Havant and Hayling with autonomous vehicles along Hayling Billy Trail.
The council has also been awarded £180k from Homes England to accelerate the delivery of parts of the town centre programme.'
During the meeting, Councillor Tim Pike, Cabinet lead for Finance, Regeneration and Estates, said “By approving this refresh to the strategy it will give us the chance to explore what new opportunities are available to us, whilst we continue to undertake projects from the original scheme.”
“The retail and town centre landscape needs to adapt, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic also changing how residents want to shop and spend their social time. This is an opportunity for us to look at the challenges this brings and seek new opportunities for the borough.”
Approval was also given during the meeting to progress three priority projects, helping Havant to build back a better future which include the progression of an outline business case for redeveloping the Bulbeck Road car park in Havant, detailed work for the Civic Plaza East area and the development of package of public realm and access improvements for the town centre.
More information on regeneration in the borough is available on the Have with Havant website.