Council announce official closure of multi-storey site

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have announced that the Osborn Road Multi-Storey Car Park has permanently been closed to all vehicles as they prepare for the building’s scheduled demolition from January 8; which marks a ‘significant’ next move in the latest development project aimed at revamping the Town Centre facilities and building ‘Fareham Live’.

The closure officially started from Tuesday morning (January 2) but no public access was permitted throughout the day on Monday (New Year’s Day), which led to large speculation and photographs via social media. However it is believed that the Shopping Centre was closed due to the Bank Holiday with most adjourning car parks in the town following suit.

This site will shortly be handed over to Neilcott Construction Ltd with the relocation of their team and equipment due to occur later this week. Demolition will fully begin on January 8 and development of a new surface car park is scheduled to end late in the spring; coinciding with the first large performance at the new Fareham Live entertainment / art venue.

This development work was previously approved by councillors and features the total of 138 parking spaces, which are set to be larger than current spots. Four of these will benefit from electric vehicle charging points to match this increase in demand and the new car park will further have the capacity to add a further twelve points if it is required in the future.

Councillors have reminded residents that “alternative parking” can be located across multiple facilities across the Town Centre area; a press release stating over 1,000 spaces remain ‘open’ for cars. Shopmobility can further be found in the Shopping Centre close to Three Joes and opposite Millets; offering mobility equipment for all visitors to hire if required.

Readers can view full comments from Fareham Borough Council’s leader, Cllr Sean Woodward, by clicking here; whilst they may examine further information on the ‘plans’ and any changes due to be made over time through the online link.

PICTURED BY FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL: An entrance for Osborn Road’s multi-storey that will be demolished.