HUNDREDS of new jobs are set to be created in a Hampshire town after councillors approved a multi-million regeneration project.

Councillors on Fareham Borough Council’s (FBC) executive voted in favour of plans to redevelop Fareham town centre last night that will see the development of a new restaurant complex, new shops, an arts centre, a new multi-story car park, and the construction of hundreds of homes.

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of FBC, said: “We have a sustainable vision that will include new shops, homes and leisure facilities that will turn Fareham into a modern hub.

“This is also an existing vision which will bring the town centre into the 21st century as well as create hundreds of new jobs.”

The plans will focus on five key areas; West Street, Market Quay, Fareham railway station, the civic area and Lyess car park.

Parts of the development will be built by FBC while others will be developed by prospective private developers through planning applications which will be determined by the council.

Under the plans, buildings in West Street are set to become taller along with a council-led campaign to encourage community groups and businesses located in the town’s central street to fill empty units in the pedestrian area or in Fareham Shopping Centre.

Market Quay will be home to a new restaurant area dubbed ‘the food and drink haven’ of Fareham while the Lyess car park near Quay Street will see a collection of new residential developments up to three storeys high with private parking.

New facilities including shops, businesses and community facilities will also be built around the Fareham railway station site while the civic area will see the demolition of Osborn Road multi-storey car park and the development of a new arts centre.

The council plans to build a new cultural and arts facility along with a 600-capacity car park and 150 homes.

Fareham MP Suella Fernandes said: “The plans to regenerate Fareham town centre will add to the town’s vibrancy and ensure it’s fit for future demands.”

Councillor Shaun Cunningham, who represents Portchester East on the council, said: “We need to ensure there to be a balance between community facilities, housing and retail facilities in order for this scheme to be successful. Car parking also needs to be taken into account.”

It is thought the scheme will take 20 years to fully complete.