The Waterlooville Public Realm Improvement project is a key investment in the town centre designed to support economic vitality, encourage new business, and create a safer, more attractive and welcoming space for residents, visitors, and businesses. These improvements form part of a wider overarching project to improve the town centre based on extensive consultation through the Masterplan.
The improvements were also identified as a key priority in the Corporate Strategy 2024-26, highlighting Pride in Place as being one of our key themes. Those key themes are building resilience across our borough by improving our open and green spaces and ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations.
The project will look to deliver enhancements to the streetscape on London Road, which will include planters, seating, and new hard surfacing offering better street accessibility and improve the overall experience of the town centre.
The area currently faces challenges such as ageing infrastructure, inconsistent design, accessibility barriers and limited attractiveness for residents, visitors and businesses. Improvements will support economic vitality, community use and long‑term regeneration.
This is a really positive project for Waterlooville and has many benefits, not only is it improving the quality of environment and stimulating local economy but it will benefit all residents, retailers and users of the high street whilst also demonstrating the council's commitment to improving Waterlooville Town Centre.
The total of the project is £1.8 million. Funding has been provided by Havant Borough Council through 3 different funding streams. £150k from Neighbourhood CIL, £650k from Regeneration reserves and £1million from Strategic CIL. The project budget is allocated specifically for the Waterlooville Public Realm Improvements and cannot be repurposed for other services. The money has been transferred to Hampshire County Council as part of the Funding Agreement.
This is a collaborative project between Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. Hampshire County Council own the land but Havant Borough Council are funding the project.
Residents and businesses were consulted through a number of engagement events throughout the Masterplan consultation, events in Waterlooville, community meetings, online Go Vocal voting and the Waterlooville Business Association group.
The construction is due to start on site in February 2027.
The construction is due to take approximately 36 weeks and end October 2027.
Some disruption is unavoidable. There will be partial road or footpath closures, noise, dust and changes to business access/ pedestrian routes. The council will minimise disruption wherever possible and provide clear signage and advance notice.
Yes, the construction work will be during the day, night time and weekends, causing as least disruption to the businesses as possible. Access to shops and services will be maintained throughout the works. Temporary routes may be introduced to ensure safe access.
Yes, the market will be moving to the north of the precinct for the duration of the construction, this will be from the bandstand towards The Heroes pub.
When construction starts in February 2027 the Christmas Events (Christmas light switch on & market) will be done. There will be no other events in Waterlooville between February 2027 and October 2027.
Both Hampshire County Council and Havant Borough Council will be maintaining different parts of the new Public Realm Improvements. The council’s operations and maintenance teams will manage ongoing upkeep, including cleaning & repairs.
Expected benefits include improved safety, better accessibility, increased footfall, enhanced attractiveness, stronger business confidence, more community use and a more welcoming town centre.