Eco-town information

Page 1

WHITEHILL & BORDON

Growing a greener future


2


Index Page The vision.................................................... 4 The targets.................................................. 6 About the town............................................ 8 The masterplan...........................................10 Biodiversity.................................................12 Carbon and water neutrality.........................14 Facilities.....................................................16 Employment................................................18 Homes.......................................................20 Traffic and transport.....................................22 Timeline.....................................................24 Demonstration projects.................................26 Investing in the town....................................28 Sponsorship................................................30 Tourism......................................................31 How the project is being run.........................32 Map of free insulation take-up.......................34 Projects already underway............................35

Designed by East Hampshire District Council Communications Team. Printed in Whitehill & Bordon on 100% recycled paper. Last updated March 2012.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

3


The Vision Our vision for Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town will put the outstanding natural environment at the heart of the regeneration. The ‘Eco-town Vision’ means that new facilities, leisure opportunities, jobs, education, infrastructure and housing will be provided to enhance this unique area and create a model sustainable community that is recognised locally, regionally and nationally.

Our vision is as follows: • We will create an attractive town where people want to live, work, shop and play - with excellent facilities, leisure opportunities, jobs, training opportunities and a balanced mix of housing. • We will regenerate and improve the built environment in the town so that it complements the superb surrounding landscape, whilst protecting the town’s heritage. • We will use innovative, modern, environmentally-friendly design, incorporating eco-homes and modern methods of construction.

4


The Vision

• We will ensure that the town is regenerated in a way that encourages and enables us to live and work in ways that do not damage the natural resources upon which our society and economy depends. • We will encourage ‘One Planet Living’ (living within the planet’s means) and encourage local food production and ‘grow your own’. • We will create a town centre that is pedestrian friendly and is wellconnected to residential, employment and leisure areas.

• We will ensure there are accessible green spaces and attractive town squares. • We will encourage investment by businesses and industries, and will particularly seek out those that share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous, environmentally-friendly community. • We will enhance and promote public transport so that it is easier to travel around the town and to other towns and cities. • We will create a town where regeneration and ongoing management is designed with people and nature as our priority.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

5


The targets Carbon neutrality To achieve this vision we have set challenging targets that ensure the environment is at the centre of everything we do. The targets ensure that the Eco-town is a sustainable and vibrant community with excellent facilities and opportunities. The targets are detailed below.

Biodiversity We aim to achieve a net increase in wildlife biodiversity and to safeguard protected sites. We will provide natural ‘green’ spaces and routes throughout the town for people and wildlife.

6

We will create a low-carbon community. We will work with others to clarify and strengthen the definition and understanding of this concept. We will monitor and reduce the carbon footprint of the whole town by encouraging environmentally sustainable design and living. If possible, we will aim for the whole town to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2036. This will mean that use of carbon in the whole of the town, including the new development, will not exceed the current carbon footprint (and we will calculate exactly what this is!). Employment and jobs We will increase local jobs and encourage new and existing businesses and industries; in particular those which share our vision of a sustainable and environmentally-friendly community. We will create at least one new job per new household and will provide an additional 1,500 jobs to replace those lost by the withdrawal of the Army from Whitehill & Bordon. We will provide training opportunities for residents to maximise their employment prospects with the new businesses.


Facilities

Traffic and transport

We will seek to improve the facilities available in the town, including:• Providing a new attractive and thriving town centre with a mix of uses (including community facilities); • New higher education and training facilities and schools; • New sports and leisure facilities; • New and enhanced community facilities; • Health facilities; We will also improve access to these facilities from within the town and the wider community.

We aim to improve public transport and provide better opportunities for walking and cycling, both within the town, and the surrounding area. We aim to reduce the use of the car within the town. Our target is for not more than 50% of journeys within the town to be undertaken by car. In the long-term we hope to achieve the highest levels of ‘sustainable’ travel (eg by train, bicycle or foot) through a variety of transport measures. We will seek to restore a rail link for the town. Water neutrality

Homes We will encourage a range of good quality, well-designed, low-carbon homes built to the highest standards in wellplanned neighbourhoods where people want to live. The new homes will be of different sizes, types and tenures to meet the needs of local people, (including larger homes) and will be in walking distance of shops and facilities.

By using the existing water supply carefully and by reducing demand and wastage, we plan for the town to be ‘water neutral’. This means that the water used in the whole of the town, including new development, will not exceed current levels of water use.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

7


About the town Whitehill & Bordon is a town in Hampshire which is surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is nestled between heathlands, rivers and woodlands – but also close to London and south coast cities. It is one of only four Eco-towns in the country and it has been awarded more than £10million because of its status. The town already has eco-credentials as it is home to the protected European habitats of Woolmer Forest, Shortheath Common, Kingsley Common and Broxhead Common.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that it is leaving the town and relocating its training to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. This will happen by 2015 at the latest. The move means that about 230 hectares will be released and it is this, coupled with Eco-town status, that gives the town a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for regeneration. The town will be regenerated so that there are new, modern facilities, new homes and one new job will be created per new home.

It is also the only location in the UK to have all 12 native species of reptiles and amphibians living in it. Whitehill & Bordon is also a northern gateway to the new South Downs National Park. The town grew in a piecemeal manner around the military training base of Bordon Garrison and it has a population of approximately 16,000.

8

We are striving to make the town something really special.


Whitehill & Bordon

Reading

M4 Heathrow

LONDON

M25 Farnborough

Basingstoke

A331

M3

A325

Alton Winchester

Guildford

Farnham

A3

A31 Whitehill

& Bordon Eco-town Petersfield

Southampton

Gatwick

A272

Horndean

M27 Portsmouth

A27 Chichester

Worthing

Map showing Whitehill & Bordon’s excellent location.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

9


The masterplan The masterplan safeguards the town from piecemeal development and ensures that residents get the best possible facilities and infrastructure to support the overall regeneration of the town.

The masterplan is a broad strategic plan which sets out how growth and change could take place in the town over the next 25 years.

The regeneration of the town has the backing of the three tiers of local government – as well as central government support.

It will be taken into consideration when planning applications are decided – so it is a guide to development rather than stipulating exactly how it will take place.

The local community has been really involved in the masterplan and we have run many consultation events.

Because it is a framework it is flexible and means that it gives an overall vision for the town. The land for the Eco-town is predominately in public sector ownership. The majority of the land is owned by the MoD.

10

The most recent consultation which we ran from October – December 2011 involved 10 workshops run by independent facilitators in the town and surrounding villages. We also arranged a series of drop-in events so that we were taking the consultation to the community rather than them having to come to us.


Brief guide to the masterplan

Green spaces New town centre New residential areas on MoD land Employment area A325 (town’s main road)

Correct as of February 2012

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

11


Biodiversity TARGET We aim to achieve a net increase in wildlife biodiversity and to safeguard protected sites. We will provide natural ‘green’ spaces and routes throughout the town for people and wildlife.

12


Biodiversity

The town is set in rolling countryside and is on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park. There are several designated sites for nature conservation in and around the town. These sites range from local to international importance and are highly valued by the community. In particular, sections of the Wealden Heathlands infiltrate the town. Some of these areas are designated in order to protect three rare species of ground nesting birds. These sandy heathlands provide a backdrop of heather covered hills, pine plantations and older deciduous woodland.

The town has 3,500 hectares of Natura 2000 sites – the highest designation for natural habitats in Europe – and is a gateway to the South Downs National Park.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

13


Carbon and water neutrality CARBON NEUTRALITY TARGET We will create a low-carbon community. We will work with others to clarify and strengthen the definition and understanding of this concept. We will monitor and reduce the carbon footprint of the whole town by encouraging environmentally sustainable design and living. If possible, we will aim for the whole town to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2036. This will mean that use of carbon in the whole of the town, including the new development, will not exceed the current carbon footprint (and we will calculate exactly what this is!).

WATER NEUTRALITY TARGET By using the existing water supply carefully and by reducing demand and wastage, we plan for the town to be ‘water neutral’. This means that the water used in the whole of the town, including new development, will not exceed current levels of water use.

14


Carbon and water neutrality

A combination of measures will be required to achieve the energy and carbon targets for the Eco-town in a way that is affordable, practical and offers the best outcome for the people, economy and environment of Whitehill & Bordon. Retrofitting existing buildings to a high standard of energy efficiency and ensuring that they have access to renewable and low carbon energy will be essential. Some of the likely energy projects in the town are: • Electric heating, electric vehicles (public and private transport) and places to charge them • Microgeneration including solar panels, solar thermal and biomass boilers • Smart grid - this is an electrical grid which attempts to predict and intelligently respond to the behaviour and actions of all electric users connected to it so that efficient, reliable and sustainable services are delivered

• Updates to the gas grid • Woodfuel supply chain – this would include growing and managing woodland through to supplying woodfuel to residents • We have been working with a global sustainability charity called BioRegional to introduce ‘One Planet Living’ to the town. This involves promoting and delivering low-carbon living

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

15


Facilities TARGET We will seek to improve the facilities available in the town, including: • Providing a new attractive and thriving town centre with a mix of uses (including community facilities) • New higher education and training facilities and schools • New sports and leisure facilities • New and enhanced community facilities • Health facilities We will also improve access to these facilities from within the town and the wider community.

16


Facilities

The masterplan proposes: • A new mixed-use town centre with around 30,000 square metres of retail area • New primary schools, early years centres and a new children’s centre • Improved and larger facilities for the secondary school • Skills training and further education facilities • Sites for new commercial leisure facilities

• Around 127 hectares of new public greenspaces which provide Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) to mitigate against human impacts on nearby European protected habitats

• Around 4,000 new homes • A public sports hub with leisure centre and pitches • Local healthcare and emergency services • Around 70,000 square metre eco-business park floorspace and opportunities for the creation of approximately 5,500 jobs

• A central public transport hub and modern public transport system • Retrofitting of existing homes and businesses to improve energy and water efficiency and reduce utility bills • A combination of energy generating methods, an expanded recycling centre and community ‘swapshop’

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

17


Employment TARGET We will increase local jobs and encourage new and existing businesses and industries; in particular those which share our vision of a sustainable and environmentally-friendly community. We will create at least one new job per new household and will provide an additional 1,500 jobs to replace those lost by the withdrawal of the Army from Whitehill & Bordon. We will provide training opportunities for residents to maximise their employment prospects with the new businesses.

18


Employment

One new job will be created per new home built - and those lost as a result of the MoD leaving will be replaced. The town will become the largest community within East Hampshire. There is a real opportunity to show the true value of Whitehill & Bordon as a pioneer in sustainable living and working that will be of national significance. An Economic Development and Employment Strategy has been developed that sets out a plan to ensure new jobs are created within the town and people are provided with the opportunity to access local jobs.

The overall aim is to create a sustainable economy that meets the needs of the whole community – while respecting and protecting its superb natural environment.

To ensure the town has a sustainable economy the following will be important: • A balanced mix of business and jobs • Improved education, training and learning to create a skills base capable of supporting a world-class economy • Developing employment land and providing high quality efficient business space • Developing new sectors and encouraging targeted inward investment • Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting innovation • Improving accessibility and transport links locally and regionally

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

19


Homes TARGET We will encourage a range of good quality, well-designed, low-carbon homes built to the highest standards in well-planned neighbourhoods where people want to live. The new homes will be of different sizes, types and tenures to meet the needs of local people (including larger homes) and will be in walking distance of shops and facilities.

The Neighbourhood Quality Charter This is a framework which is being developed by the community that encourages developers to use best practice when designing and building eco-homes in the town.

The masterplan sets out a framework which will see a maximum of 4,000 new homes built as part of the town’s regeneration. The new homes will be zero carbon and predominantly built on the Ministry of Defence land. There will be a range of housing types from executive properties to starter homes. As fuel prices continue to rise, the benefits of eco-homes become even

20

more important because energy-saving measures will substantially reduce bills. Energy-saving improvements are already proving popular with the town’s existing residents. So far 35 interest-free loans to make these types of improvements have been arranged for residents. In addition to this hundreds of residents have had free insulation installed – thanks to Eco-town funding.


Homes

Exhibition House An Exhibition House, which will be zero carbon and open to the public, will showcase the very latest environmentallyfriendly technology and design. It opens in Autumn 2012. The carbon-busting home will be built in the grounds of the Eco-station. The house is designed to reduce energy consumption so that no conventional heating system is needed. Heat will be gathered from the air spaces and redistributed to the living spaces during the day and into the evening. This will be done by a variety of measures. For example, a trombe wall will be used. This traps solar energy while it is sunny and then when the sun goes down it radiates this internally. Other energy-saving measures include recycling rainwater so that it can be reused for things like washing machines.

Solar panels will be provided on the roof and the frame of the house will be built from timber which will be locally-sourced where possible. The eaves of the house will allow nesting space for swallows and swifts. Native species will be used for hedging and there will also be a pond. The garden has been designed to include raised beds, bee hives, composting bins and a large capacity rainwater butt. The principle of grow-your-own food will be promoted with a range of edible plants and fruit trees and an organic allotment and herb garden.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

21


Traffic and transport TARGET We aim to improve public transport and provide better opportunities for walking and cycling, both within the town, and the surrounding area. We aim to reduce the use of the car within the town. Our target is for not more than 50% of journeys within the town to be undertaken by car. In the long-term we hope to achieve the highest levels of ‘sustainable’ travel (eg by train, bicycle or foot) through a variety of transport measures. We will seek to restore a rail link for the town.

22


Traffic and transport

We recognise that to have a sustainable town there must be an innovative transport system.

Public transport will be improved so that it is a viable alternative to using cars.

People will use cars – but we want to make it easier for them not to have to.

Improved walking and cycling routes will be provided which link areas of the town – as well as to surrounding towns and villages.

The planning of the town will have a fundamental bearing on how people move around the town and will strive to reduce the need to travel. The way that the streets are designed will be innovative so that they are safe with easy access for all modes of transport.

Cycle hire and car share schemes will be established. A car share scheme is already up and running in the town. Travel plans and incentives will also be introduced to the town to try to cut down the dependency on the car.

In order to achieve an exemplary development significant improvements are needed to make the existing transport systems sustainable.

We are currently investigating the possibility of getting a rail link for the town. A feasibility study has taken place and this found that there was a sufficiently positive business case to warrant further investigation into a link from Whitehill & Bordon to Bentley and on to London Waterloo. This further investigation is now taking place.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

23


24

Consultation on masterplan and tour of Ministry of Defence land.

November 2008

Transport meeting with top transport experts (including Sir Peter Hall) in London – they suggest the old rail line is reinstated.

September 2008

Award-wining team (AECOM) appointed to develop the masterplan for the town (a guide for regenerating the town).

July 2008

Whitehill & Bordon shortlisted for Eco-town status.

April 2008

EHDC successful in lobbying for Whitehill & Bordon recognition in the South East plan.

Feb 2008

EHDC makes bid for Eco-town status because it is seen as a way of delivering the Green Town Vision.

October 2007

Green Town Vision adopted by EHDC with unanimous cross-party support.

April 2006

Residents gave their backing to the Green Town Vision.

December 2005

First public consultation. Residents told East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) how much they valued the environment – as well as needing better facilities. The public consultation feedback formed the Green Town Vision.

July 2004

Steering group formed because of the impending Defence Training Review of the Ministry of Defence land in Whitehill & Bordon.

2003-2004

Timeline


Potential start date for development on major sites in the town.

2015

Revised masterplan published. Eco-station and Exhibition House open.

2012

The following Eco-town projects are completed: outdoor eco-fitness trail, Wi-Fi hotspot, boardwalk, youth drop-in scheme, countryside ranger, and upgrades to schools and the library.

By the end of 2011

Detailed neighbourhood consultation on the masterplan.

October 2011

Ministry of Defence announces it is definitely leaving Whitehill & Bordon and is moving to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. They will have left by 2015 at the latest.

July 2011

First Delivery Board meeting.

December 2010

New governance structure established. Delivery Board set up to guide the regeneration of the town Specialist Groups and a Standing Conference are established to ensure community involvement.

September 2010

Eco-town team set up to work exclusively on the regeneration of the town.

April 2010

Government designates Whitehill & Bordon as an Eco-town.

July 2009

Detailed masterplan consultation.

April 2009

Timeline

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

25


Demonstration projects Setting the standard for innovative sustainable regeneration The Fire Station

International design competition

The old Ministry of Defence Fire Station is being renovated and will become the Eco-station, which will be an exhibition centre.

An international design competition was held to design three zero-carbon houses in the grounds of the Eco-station.

The attractive Edwardian-style building will showcase the latest carbon-busting technologies. The renovation is striving to be of ‘BREEAM Excellent’ standard which is the highest level of environmental credentials. The renovation of the Fire Station started at the end of 2011 and the building opens in 2012.

The competition had an amazing response, with 54 companies entering their designs for the houses. The winning design incorporates exceptional eco-features as well as making the three houses desirable places to live. The judging panel was made up of leading architects, local councillors and design experts. A residents’ panel was also set up and commented on each of the five shortlisted proposals. Building of the homes will take place in 2013.

26


Demonstration projects

Quebec Barracks This will be one of the first demonstration schemes. And we are aiming to create an exemplary demonstration scheme that enhances this area of the town. The high level objectives for this Ministry of Defence site are to: • Create a development with high visual impact that demonstrates the Eco-town vision • Deliver exceptionally good design and set the standard for future Eco-town development

There has already been consultation about what local residents and councillors think is important for this site and this will continue as the project progresses to ensure that it is something that the town can really be proud of.

• Build market confidence in development and investment potential by acting as a marketing tool for wider opportunities • Contain housing and some employment • Link into – and integrate with – the existing and future town

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

27


Investing in the town As the Ministry of Defence starts to leave the town there will be a variety of investment opportunities whether you’re starting up, relocating or expanding your business. A new eco-business park will be created as part of the regeneration that will provide fantastic opportunities for businesses. Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town is located in a strategic position from London – as well as within easy reach of south coast cities and ports. The surrounding area boasts excellent, well-connected infrastructure and worldclass research facilities – with the nearby universities of Surrey, Southampton, Portsmouth and Reading. Eco-town designation is a sought-after status and Whitehill & Bordon is one of only four in the country. Eco-town status has attracted national and international interest and put the town on the radar of politicians, government bodies, large investment companies and

28

future residents who want the quality of life that only an Eco-town will be able to provide. We are particularly trying to attract businesses with green-credentials to the town and those from the environmental sector as we are aiming to become a centre for low-carbon businesses. We will offer a range of support for existing businesses to increase their environmental performance. If you would like more information about this then please check our website www.whitehillbordon.com. If you would like to be kept up-to-date with other business opportunities as they arise then please email whitehillbordon@easthants.gov.uk


Investing in the town

5

reasons to invest in Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

1

Eco credentials The town already has eco-credentials and is striving to be a carbon neutral town with an increase in wildlife biodiversity so it is an attractive place to live and work. It is one of only four Eco-towns in the UK.

2 3 4 5

The place An attractive green town that is a northern gateway to the new South Downs National Park. Connections Strategically positioned near London, Portsmouth, Southampton and Chichester. Recognition The town has national and international recognition as it is aiming to become a carbon-busting community. Talent Access to a multi-skilled workforce.

If you are interested in setting up your business in the Eco-town then please email whitehillbordon@easthants.gov.uk and we can keep you up-to-date with opportunities. As details are available they will be upadated online at www.whitehillbordon.com

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

29


Sponsorship We would like to work with like-minded organisations and companies in a variety of commercially attractive sponsorship opportunities of mutual benefit and in keeping with our high level vision. We are seeking sponsorship for Eco-town projects which will benefit the community or are stand-alone demonstration projects that directly contribute to the achievement of our high level vision. Sponsorship can be a financial contribution or contributing goods or services with a recognisable value.

There are a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available from training days to large building projects. You can also help us to trial the most innovative eco-technologies on demonstration projects including community buildings. You could even put your name to landmark features across the town. You could help finance wildlife biodiversity projects on sites within and surrounding the town or your employees could volunteer to take part in work days at these sites. Specific sponsorship opportunities are advertised on our website www.whitehillbordon.com, however you are very welcome to contact us for a discussion about how you can become involved in the Eco-town project if there are no specific opportunities being advertised. Please email whitehillbordon@easthants.gov.uk

30


Tourism Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town is a northern gateway to the South Downs National Park.

The town is also less than five miles from the picturesque village of Selborne where famous naturalist Gilbert White lived and wrote his famous works.

There are many areas of the town worth exploring including the Deadwater Valley and the ranges surrounding the town.

It is also very near Chawton, the home of author Jane Austen.

Alice Holt Forest is very close – and a new cycle and walking route, called The Shipwrights Way, is being developed which will run from this forest all the way down to Portsmouth.

The Eco-station (when complete) will be a great opportunity to learn more about the town’s eco-credentials and the latest carbon-busting technology in a fun and informative way.

Whitehill & Bordon is only 40 minutes from the popular south coast.

The town has played host to international visitors since it has received Eco-town status.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

31


How the project is being run The Eco-town project is being run by a multi-agency partnership between East Hampshire District Council, Whitehill Town Council, Whitehill & Bordon Town Partnership, the Ministry of Defence, Hampshire County Council and the Homes and Communities Agency. The partners come together to form the Delivery Board, which manages the regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon. The work of the Delivery Board involves coordinating partners, overseeing delivery of the project and ensuring local input. The board has no statutory powers of its own – this still rests with the individual organisations and authorities that make up the board. But the Delivery Board can influence and inform decision-making and ensure that decisions are in the best interests of the community and the project.

32

Involving the community and stakeholders Local input is key to making the town’s regeneration successful and this is why ‘Specialist Groups’ have been set up. Anyone can join these five groups and each focuses on one key area of delivery. The groups are: community facilities and amenities; economic development; housing; infrastructure, education and transport; and sustainable environment. Each of the groups meets once between the quarterly Delivery Board meetings – and these are open to the public. If you are interested in joining one of the groups then please contact Chris Youngs, Whitehill Town Council Offices, Forest Community Centre, Pinehill Road, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0BS. Telephone 01420 473123 or email specialistgroups@live.co.uk


“This is the most inclusive governance structure I have ever seen,” says John Walker, the independent chairman of the Delivery Board.

Standing Conference The Standing Conference acts as a sounding board for the Specialist Groups and comments on proposals being submitted to the Delivery Board. It also gives another opportunity to listen to local opinion and feed it back to the Delivery Board. This group also scrutinises the Delivery Board’s work.

The future governance of the project: A bespoke delivery method will be set up and an investment partner will be sought to ensure the successful regeneration of the town. For all the latest information please see www.whitehillbordon.com

There are approximately 35 members of the Standing Conference including stakeholders, councillors, community group representatives and residents. The Standing Conference meets quarterly prior to Delivery Board meetings and the meetings are held in public.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

33


Free insulation uptake

This map shows the number of households that have received free insulation thanks to Eco-town funding. Details correct – November 2011

34


Projects already underway The masterplan Extensive consultation has taken place and a series of studies have been completed which inform the masterplan. The next version of the masterplan will be published in 2012.

Biodiversity Seventeen new allotments have been created and these are proving extremely popular with residents. A new boardwalk has been built to provide better access for walkers while safeguarding the wetland area, a dry pond has been restored and work has been done to encourage amphibians back to another pond. A countryside ranger has also been employed to protect and enhance the environment.

Carbon neutrality Thirty five interest-free loans have been given to residents to make energy-saving improvements to their homes with measures like solar panels. Hundreds of residents have also had free loft and cavity wall insulation added to their homes to make them more energy-efficient.

Facilities The old Ministry of Defence Fire Station is being transformed into an Eco-station which will be an exhibition centre. A youth drop-in scheme is now up-and-running, a free outdoor eco-fitness trail has been built and there is a free Wi-Fi hotspot in the town centre.

Homes An Exhibition House is being built in the grounds of the Eco-station. This will demonstrate how low-carbon living can work. An international architectural competition has been run to build three zero-carbon homes that will set the standard of design for the town.

Transport A liftshare scheme is now running which provides an up-todate database of car users who are looking to share a car and travel together. It is free to use. A rail feasibility study has found that a rail line from the town to Bentley and on to London Waterloo warrants further investigation. Bus services are also being improved.

Growing a greener future • Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town

35


WHITEHILL & BORDON

www.whitehillbordon.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.