CIVIC chiefs in Fareham are set to vote on near-£10 million plans to rejuvenate a beloved community venue.

Fareham Borough Council’s executive will, on July 9, consider proposals to transform Ferneham Hall into a new community and entertainment venue fit for the 21st century.

If approved, the new Ferneham Hall will feature a 400-seat auditorium for live performances and a smaller 100-seat theatre with a projector for cinema screenings, in addition to community rooms, and a dance studio.

The works, which the council believes will cost between £8.9 million and £9.6 million, will be funded via Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions – a planning charge on new development that the council can use to make improvements to infrastructure or facilities.

If the plans are approved, it is likely that Ferneham Hall will close towards the end of 2019 for up to two years while work is carried out.

These will be broken down into three phases: the first would be funded by the council and include the remodelling of Ferneham Hall, demolishing the Octagon Lounge and opening up the foyer. Phase two would then focus on the smaller secondary theatre. Finally, phase three would see the creation of the dance studio, however, the council has said the while the studio is desirable, is not essential.

Once complete the new venue would be managed by a leisure trust, as a commercial venture, with an eye to further reducing costs until the venue no longer requires council subsidies.

Ferneham Hall currently operates at a £400,000-a-year deficit.

Executive member for leisure, Cllr Sue Bell, said: “Our vision is to provide a busy community and entertainment venue which includes daytime and evening activity, seven days a week.

“Our new look facilities would enable us to offer a great choice of entertainment to residents and provide new, local community facilities for those living in and around the town centre.”

Executive leader, Cllr Séan Woodward, added: “If this proposal is approved, I think it will be an exciting prospect for the borough.

“I cannot think of a better use for CIL money than investing in something that can be enjoyed by all our residents and a remodelled Ferneham Hall fits that bill perfectly.”