From a garrison town to a green town

The town, which will see the army leave the site after more than 100 years in the town, was recently awarded Housing Zone Status’ by the Department for Communities and Local Government. As an area of ‘regional importance’, the location has also been designated as one of five ‘step up towns’ by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The three sites in the town all have planning approval, submitted by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and will witness the overall regeneration of the town with 3,350 new homes, 5,500 new jobs, a thriving new town centre, new facilities and new schools. The main site will be regenerated with new shops, offices, cafes, restaurants, a food store, a swimming pool in a new leisure centre, new schools and sports pitches.

Proposals also include a new cycling route, footpaths, a public open space, car parks, children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, a BMX or skate park, allotments and landscaping – as well as the southern section of the new relief road enabling a more attractive alternative to the existing road for through traffic. It is intended to be the countries third largest Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space.

Tom Horwood, executive director at East Hampshire District Council, said: “A new vibrant and thriving town centre with facilities, jobs and opportunities will give Whitehill & Bordon the new lease of life which it needs. As well as the new homes and town centre there is extensive funding of more than £100million to deliver the fantastic new facilities. The regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon from garrison town to green town will be truly exemplary with the highest sustainability standards possible.”

The council's approval is subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 planning agreement.  Valued at more than £54million, the agreement will clarify the timing of funding for the social and community infrastructure. It is expected formal planning consent will be granted this summer.