Multi-million pound plans that could kickstart the regeneration of a Hampshire town have been given the green light by councillors.
Havant Borough Council’s planning committee last night (Feb 25) approved Hampshire & Regional Property Group’s application for outline planning permission to redevelop a section of Market Parade in Havant. The £15m plans will create a brand new set of apartments, along with enough retail space to fit six shops underneath. The company says the planning approval marks the first step in the long-awaited regeneration of the town centre.
Market Parade, near to the train station, is currently home to an empty site where the Star pub used to be, as well as a row of derelict shops that have become unlettable after falling into a state of disrepair.
Under Hampshire & Regional Property Group’s plans, the buildings will be demolished to make way for a modern apartment block featuring 130 one and two bedroom flats. The main part of the building would be five to six storeys high, with a feature tower of apartments up to 13 storeys high. The building would also feature around 11,000 sq ft of retail space at ground level – enough for around six shops – and basement parking.
Shaun Adams, managing director of Hampshire & Regional Property Group, said: “This is fantastic news for Havant. The Town Centre has been in need of investment and regeneration for some time and we see our proposals as the first step towards this, perhaps even the catalyst for further improvements. We believe our plans will provide much needed, and more modern, accommodation and retail space for local people and local businesses.”
Hampshire & Regional Property Group now hopes to apply for detailed consent for the scheme within the next six to nine months, with an aim of starting work in 2017.
