Agenda item

The Chairperson welcomed Wayne Layton and Laura Jones (Havant Borough Council) to the meeting who gave a presentation which provided an update of previous work, including the pop-up shop scheme, work with the Waterlooville Business Association, street art, and events. The next phase, following council budget approval including around £150,000 for public realm improvements, was considered.

It was reported that public consultation through the master plan project indicated a desire for proper regeneration and an improved public realm. Initial designs suggested a need for approximately £800,000 for improvements between the bandstand and the new Exchange restaurant. A positive response from landowners had been received, anticipating potentially exciting news regarding new businesses. The investment was seen as sending a strong message about the importance of the High Street. The quick win initiatives had created a buzz, but significant public realm improvement was crucial, working with Hampshire colleagues.

Laura Jones outlined the design process, noting clear messages from public consultation for more green spaces, seating areas to encourage dwelling and use of retail, maintaining the market, and allowing events. Four initial design options were developed, with a fifth amalgamation. The focus was on the area from the bandstand to the Exchange, as the paving towards the heroes was relatively new. Face-to-face and online consultation (via Go Vocal) had been conducted, with the online consultation ending on 28th February. 43% of respondents favoured one particular option, to be announced soon. A feasibility study would assess affordability, fitness for purpose, future-proofing, and maintenance. Positive feedback from the public was noted, with a public consultation event held in the High Street.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the Forum raised a number of matters which were responded to by the relevant officer’s present on the following points:

(a)       Councillor Harrison welcomed the investment, noting the success of          the vacant shop scheme in boosting confidence for other      businesses. The need to address the appearance of the town centre was highlighted. The investment demonstrated commitment to making      Waterlooville a destination.

(b)           Councillor Crichton thanked officers and previous administration for their work, noting positive feedback from The Exchange. A question was asked about the market's location during and after the improvements. Wayne confirmed that all designs accommodated the market and events in the High Street.

(c)           Councillor Read welcomed the report as a major step forward, seeking clarification on the highway status of the area. It was confirmed that the A3 remained under Hampshire Highways. Councillor Read suggested declassification might be beneficial.

(d)           The market access for vehicles was questioned. Ongoing maintenance was raised as an important consideration.

(e)           Concerns were noted about planting trees in hard landscapes and potential future damage. Officers assured that tree selection would consider sightlines for CCTV to address antisocial behaviour. Community involvement in gardening projects for planters was highlighted, noting the success in the boulevard.

(f)             The Waterlooville Business Association's plans for an "In Bloom" initiative were referenced.

(g)           A question was asked about improving access to the Town Centre from the MDA. Feasibility work by Hampshire on the crossing between the Shell garage and Archbold newsagents was underway. Lowering the speed limit near the fire station was discussed, but the presence of controlled crossings made the benefit unclear. The potential for public realm work to extend to the car park through the community centre was raised, but it was confirmed this was not in the current phase, although highlighted in the master plan. The need to prioritise the most impactful projects was noted.

(h)           Councillor Robinson was keen to see the Arts Programme involved in the regeneration, with some form of sculpture or art within Waterlooville. The Chairperson agreed to raise this with the Arts Group to ensure engagement with the regeneration team. The importance of integrating the MDA residents into Waterlooville was emphasised.

                    RESOLVED:

                               That the presentation be received and the comments                      raised by the Forum, as set out above, be noted.