Fareham Live - Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ferneham Hall need to be replaced?
Why did it take so long to get started?
What does the new Fareham Live have to offer?
Does Fareham Live have a late night licence?
How much did the project cost?
Why did the Council spend so much money on this?
Who came up with the name Fareham Live?
Will I still be able to use the car parks there?
Will the venue bring more jobs to the area?
What will this mean for Fareham Town Centre?
How can I be kept up to date with the latest news?
Why did Ferneham Hall need to be replaced?
Ferneham Hall was first opened in 1982 and had been looking tired and dated. Although operating costs had been reduced considerably prior to its closure, Ferneham Hall operated at an annual deficit of around £400,000. This was partly due to the design not being appropriate for modern shows, with large sets, elaborate effects, staging and lighting being required.
The investment from Fareham Borough Council has seen the venue totally transformed with a larger main auditorium with improved standard of seating, a secondary performance space, new bar and café area, a dance studio and space for community groups and organisations.
Venue operator, Traflagar Theatres, manage Fareham Live on the Council's behalf as a vibrant and profitable arts and entertainment venue which will eventually negate the need for any further subsidies from the Council.
Why did it take so long to get started?
Ferneham Hall closed its doors in January 2020 ready for the remodelling works. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Council to put the project on hold for 10 months. Work is now back underway and started on 8 August 2022.
When will it open?
Fareham Live is now open and you can buy tickets at www.farehamlive.com 
.
What does the new Fareham Live have to offer?
Fareham Live now has:
- A bigger main theatre with more comfortable seating for around 800 people
- Improved stage and backstage areas and a fly tower to support high quality performances
- A flexible smaller secondary performance space for up to 120 people to encourage a range of uses
- A flexible studio space that can be used for a range of activities such as yoga, dance, exhibitions and conferences
- A new interval space with bar and café area
- Spaces for community groups and organisations to hire
- Fully accessible Changing Places toilets and changing rooms, as well as an accessible lift to the first floor.
Does Fareham Live have a late night licence?
It is common practice for theatre venues across the UK to have licenses for late night refreshments. This is not so that the theatre can remain open to the public, but more so that the crews, performers and staff can get food and drink after performances or during set removals.
It is very rare that late night refreshments would be required until 5am, but it can happen, so it is important that Fareham Live adheres to regulations and has the correct licensing in place. Late night refreshment does not include the sale of alcohol, it refers specifically to the provision of hot food and drinks.
Who was in charge of the remodelling?
Fareham Borough Council appointed Neilcott Construction Limited to complete the construction of Fareham Live.
Neilcott Construction Limited is an established regional contractor, based in Winchester, with considerable experience in delivering bespoke, high-quality construction solutions across the south east. This made them uniquely suited to take on this ambitious multi-million-pound project.
How much did the project cost?
The Council has agreed to allocate £16.69 million to complete Fareham Live. This was which has been recouped through Community Infrastructure Levy.
Who came up with the name Fareham Live?
The name Fareham Live was chosen through a public consultation to gather people's views on suggested names. This was held over a four-week period and resulted in the clear winner 'Fareham Live' with almost half (49%) of the 1060 responses voting for it.
The Kiln was the second option chosen by the public with 25% (269) of responses, The Quay third with 18% (185) and The Tannery the least popular with just 8% (85) of responses.
Will I still be able to use the car parks there?
All Fareham Live car parks are now open, including the new surface level car park on the former Osborn Road multi-storey site.
You can find further information with maps here.
Will the venue bring more jobs to the area?
Yes. The venue has already generated both permanent and casual jobs for the area and there are also a range of business opportunities, which can be discussed with the operator.
What will this mean for Fareham Town Centre?
Fareham Live is an ambitious redevelopment project which will not only regenerate the civic quarter, but potentially kickstart wider investment into the town centre.
Fareham Live is now a bustling hub of activity, daytime and evening, seven days a week, offering something for everyone. This brings with it jobs for local people, opportunities for business and further investment in the area.
You can find out more about our town centre regeration plans here.
How can I be kept up to date with the latest news?
If you would like to continue to receive regular information about Fareham Live, follow Fareham Borough Council's Facebook, Instagram and X feeds.