BOROUGH chiefs are set to consider the regeneration of a town centre as it recovers from the pandemic.

At an Eastleigh Borough Council cabinet meeting this evening, councillors will make a decision on the principles for Eastleigh's regeneration.

Documents for the meeting claim that town centres have been changing gradually over time due to competition from online and out-of-town retail.

During the pandemic, research by the council's Reopening High Streets Safely team showed that of the six main retail areas across the borough, Eastleigh town centre had the largest increase in the number of vacant units.

But now principles for the regeneration of the area, set out in the 'Guiding Regeneration Principles – Together we make Eastleigh' document, are set to be approved if councillors follow advice from council officers.

The eight Guiding Regeneration Principles are said to "work together to ensure Eastleigh develops a strong identity - is locally distinct, sustainable and resilient for the future".

They are:

  • Principle 1 A great place to live
  • Principle 2 A great place to do business
  • Principle 3 A green town
  • Principle 4 Meeting the needs of its communities
  • Principle 5 Well-connected and accessible
  • Principle 6 A place you want to spend time
  • Principle 7 A distinct town
  • Principle 8 Strong leadership and effective partnerships

Leader of the council, Cllr Keith House said: "It’s good that the Borough Council is thinking through the future of our town centre, that is changing due to changes in the way people shop and the response to Covid. 

"We are working on a wide range of projects to help keep shops in business and bring more people to live work and shop in the town.”

In the documents for todays meeting, it says: "The regeneration of Eastleigh town centre is an important priority for the Council, who for many years have been acquiring property assets, redeveloping sites, and undertaking extensive public realm improvements to stimulate market-led regeneration.

"Recent examples include Fanfare Place / Bandstand Court on Romsey Road and the former Post Office site on the High Street.

"These mixed-use developments aim to bring new residents into the town along with purpose-built commercial units."

Council officers have recommended that councillors approve the regeneration document at today's meeting which takes place at 7pm.