Press Release

14 November 2023

Students welcomed to Fareham Live

Almost 40 students from Fareham College and Reading University were given an opportunity to visit Fareham Live last Thursday to see at first hand the intricacies involved in building a new community, arts and entertainment centre for Fareham.

A welcome from Cllr Sue Walker, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, was followed by a presentation to students giving an overview of this exciting project and an opportunity to ask questions. Then, with everyone dressed in appropriate PPE, students and members had their very first look at the huge amount of work that has been going on inside Fareham’s emerging Community, Arts and Entertainment venue.

Geoff Pepper, Project Manager for Neilcott (the organisation responsible for building Fareham Live), led the visitors onto site through what will be the main entrance and foyer area where the main stairway is already in place and there was an opportunity to see the progress on the main auditorium area which includes the timber framework for the for the balcony seating, the staircase and rooflight in the foyer which will also house the ticket office and Wave of Thanks donor wall, the bar and studio, and various doors and windows that have been installed.  

Cllr Sue Walker said:

"The progress of the exterior elements, including the gold fly tower, is visible to everyone, but this is the first opportunity any of us have had to see what is happening on the inside.  We were delighted to be able to share that experience with students who may well go on to work in the construction industry and on big projects such as Fareham Live.  
  
"Geoff’s knowledge, expertise and sheer enthusiasm for the project was evident as he explained the various processes to us and challenges they have faced, not least of which was the recent horrendous weather.  I was really surprised to learn that there are up to 80 operatives on site at any one time."

Cllr Seán Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, added:

"It was really interesting to see all the new spaces Fareham Live will have, not just the theatre but the smaller spaces which I am sure will be well-used by the community.  It will be such an important venue for Fareham."

For further information about Fareham Live, and to sign up for the latest news, visit www.fareham.gov.uk/farehamlive. 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The students from Fareham College are studying the T-Level BSE Building Services Engineering Course. This T-Level contains two components, the core content and occupational specialism, either Electrotechnical Engineering or Plumping and Heating Engineering.

Students from Reading University are studying the MSc Project Management programme at School of the Built Environment, University of Reading.

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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