Dates announced for Fareham multi-storey demolition

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have officially announced that demolition work on Osborn Road multi-storey car park will start early in the New Year after months of delays and large public speculation about the ‘project’; which will see the “outdated and underused” area rebuilt with a ‘single level’ surface car park that combines with the Fareham Live facility.

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.

An updated timetable has been published and states that the car park will be officially closed to the public from January 2 (Tuesday); a move that will allow this site to be safely handed over to contractors, Neilcott Construction Ltd. The work of demolition will then begin on January 8 (Monday) and is due to finish in time for Fareham Live to open by late spring.

Councillors have stated that the work has been scheduled for January so that shoppers aren’t affected during this busy Christmas period; which is often a peak time for people in the town centre. It is further a time when most local residents will have their doors and windows firmly closed; meaning that the ‘disruptions’ can be somewhat minimised in this area.

Visitors are reminded that the multi-storey car park remains available for public use and still has ‘direct access’ into the shopping centre; coming out nearby B&M and Debenhams in Osborn Square. The council reports that there are over a thousand spots for people visiting the town centre across the area alongside public transport links like buses and train.

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 photo of Osborn Road’s multi-storey site that will be demolished.