A THRIVING Hampshire community arts facility could be replaced under plans revealed by council leaders.

Ferneham Hall and the Ashcroft Centre in Fareham could be demolished under plans revealed by the borough council to replace the site with a new multi-million pound cultural and arts facility.

The council claim the facilities are in urgent need of improvements and a development would create a new hub for the borough.

Cllr Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: “A brand new arts and cultural facility is something we are considering strongly for the residents of Fareham as part of the redevelopment of the Fareham Civic area.”

“We will aim to keep the old Ferneham Centre while building the new, while building the new arts development.”

“We are also looking at being able to move the Ashcroft Centre and bring them together on a single site, giving Fareham residents the best of both in one, subject to talks with landowners.”

Ferneham Hall is a 550 capacity concert hall and is used for regular concerts and plays while the Ashcroft Centre houses a small 150 seater theatre as well a gallery and dance studio’s which is currently run by Hampshire Cultural Trust.

The borough council are currently in talks with the trust but denied that the centre was moving.

A spokesperson from the trust said conversations were only ongoing with the council and added: “Fareham has much to offer in terms of arts and culture and we are committed to making that offer even better.

“Hampshire Cultural Trust works with Fareham Borough Council and our mission is to make the county a world-class destination for culture.

“We would welcome any exciting new cultural initiative that inspires great experiences for the people who live, work in and visit Fareham and we will continue our conversations with the council, however there are no plans to move Ashcroft Arts Centre.”

One of Ferneham hall’s regular users, the Fareham Music Society, welcomed the idea if costs to hire the new facilities were more reasonable.

Graeme Clements, from the society, said: “It’s a good idea from our point of view, a new arts facility will be fantastic for Fareham as Ferneham Hall could do with some improvements as it’s quite outdated.”

“However, the costs to use the new space should remain reasonable and competitive so that local society and community groups can continue to use the space at an affordable rate.”

The proposed new art facility's exact location will be determined by councillors however it is thought it would occupy the current location of the Osborn Road multi story car park.