Issue details

The purpose of this report is to propose possible names for the new arts and entertainment venue being built in Fareham Town Centre to replace Ferneham Hall. It is suggested that the names are included in a public consultation exercise prior to members making a final decision, based on the outcome of the consultation results.

The Council is building a new arts and entertainment venue in Fareham Town Centre which will include an 800-seat auditorium, a 120-seat theatre, community rooms, a flexible studio space as well as a bar and café area.  The remodelled venue will offer different, and much improved, facilities from those of Ferneham Hall, so it is considered appropriate to give the building a new name to emphasise this point.

It is suggested that, to ensure the name “Ferneham” is not completely lost, proposals for how it is incorporated into the new venue will be put forward when options are presented at a later date for the naming of the rooms and areas within the remodelled venue.

This report suggests options for naming the new venue and these have been drawn from the history of Fareham as well as the world of arts and entertainment.  The preferred options will be subject to a public consultation exercise.  The results will be reported back to a future meeting of the Executive to allow a final decision on the name of the venue.