Whitehill & Bordon From garrison town to green town
Your questions answered When can i enjoy a coffee in the new town centre?
5,500 jobs is a lot, how will they be created?
When will the new homes be built? When can i ride my bike around the new cycle routes?
When will I be able to drive down the new road?
September 2015
WHat's happening right now? This brochure has been written and designed to keep you up-to-date with the latest information about the regeneration of your town. But, understandably for such an exciting project, there are always plenty of questions for the regeneration team to answer. This brochure will help answer your queries. We’ve packed these 12 pages with the information you’ve been asking for so we hope it gives you the details you need. After years of planning, Whitehill & Bordon residents will soon be seeing results on the ground. The Army garrison will have been vacated by the end of this year and the regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon will
become a reality. There will still be a military presence in the town. This is expected to be at Longmoor Camp, the satellite station at Oakhanger and service families’ accommodation in Trenchard Park, St Lucia Park and the Essex Close area. Plans to deliver 3,350 new homes, 5,500 new jobs, a new town centre and a host of other facilities will not be done overnight, but there’s plenty happening right now. In this brochure you can find out about: •the green loop and green grid for walkers and cyclists •improvements to Bordon Inclosure •the new jobs being created •the support we are providing to existing businesses •home improvements through the Green Deal
Who's involved? Driving prosperity in the M3 corridor
The partners’ shared vision is for Whitehill & Bordon to become a prosperous, thriving town in a beautiful natural environment where people choose to live and work because it offers them great opportunities and a great quality of life. 2
How Can I get Involved? With partners working together to ensure the successful regeneration of the town, a new group has just been set up to help promote both existing and new community events. The ‘Exchange’ group involves community partners (people from local organisations), developers, and representatives from Whitehill Town Council and East Hampshire District Council. The group’s first event in July focused on the theme of leisure, and attracted more than 60 people, providing an opportunity for them to hear about the new leisure facilities planned for the town - as well as learning about activities already happening. Here are some of the exciting events happening in Whitehill & Bordon over the next few months: 18:15 - 19:45
Night walk in Bordon Inclosure. Come along to do some bat-tracking with the Deadwater Valley Trust - meet at the Conde Way car park
11:00-15:00
Woodland Fair at the local nature reserve, Conde Way
17:00-19:00
Hallowe’en pumpkin trail at Bordon Inclosure with the Deadwater Valley Trust. Walk down the cobbled path next to the Woodlands pub
24 oct
11:00-17:00
Community day at Mill Chase Academy - give your views on plans for the new town centre
4 Nov
Evening
Fireworks night at Country Market
Evening
Advice on how to secure funding for community organisations at the Forest Community Centre
18 sep
10 oct
23 oct
19 NOV
5 Dec
19 Jan
27 Jan
10:00-15:00
Christmas fair outside the Forest Community Centre
18:00-20:30
East Hampshire Community Forum at the Forest Community Centre with focus on Whitehill & Bordon’s regeneration
11:30-13:30
Have a coffee and get help with funding applications (for community organisations) at the Forest Community Centre
Visit the community pages on www.whitehillbordon.com to sign up for a detailed community events newsletter produced by Community Solutions or receive regular updates about the regeneration via the team’s popular e-newsletter.
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WHat's happening and where? The regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon involves sites across the town. Here’s a summary of what each site is going to deliver and when you can expect to see things happening.
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Main site
New town centre
Other green space
New secondary school
Other employment areas
L Louisburg Barracks
New primary school
New homes
Q Quebec Park
Publicly accessible green space
Sports pitches
BI Bordon Inclosure
Green loop
New relief road
hI Hogmoor Inclosure
Quebec Park 100 new homes (eight one-bed flats, 19 two-bed flats, 12 two-bed houses, 41 three-bed houses, 20 four-bed houses) 100 new jobs New cafĂŠ 13 construction apprenticeships Business and community hub
Louisburg Barracks 500 new homes 500 new jobs (minimum) Construction skills training centre Driving prosperity in the M3 corridor
Business and enterprise centre
Main site 2,400 new homes Facilities (swimming pool and gym, children’s play areas, skate park, allotments) Up to 3,000 new jobs
Shops
New town centre
New schools
Transport improvements
Green spaces
New care home and improved medical facilities
Relief Road
Other Sites
New 5km road
Eases congestion on A325
350 homes
Cycle and walking paths
Provides access to sites
Up to 1,900 new jobs Driving prosperity in the M3 corridor
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2015
2016
2017
2018
2020 +
2019
WHat's happening and when? Quebec Park
20
Louisburg Barracks
1 5
Demolition works begin (some buildings being knocked down), and new cycle paths and footpaths created on Bordon Inclosure.
15
The first homes start to be built and the show home opens.
201 6
20
2017 2018
The business and enterprise centre and future skills centre open (subject to planning permission) to provide business space and training opportunities.
1
All new homes are ready for occupation, new offices are available to let and the new cafĂŠ opens.
20
The planning applications for the business and enterprise centre and the future skills centre are submitted and determined.
201 6
First residents move into the new homes.
7
Land available for businesses to rent.
15 Work begins on the first part of the relief road, which runs west through Louisburg to Hogmoor Inclosure.
Work begins on the second part of the relief road, which runs next to Hogmoor Inclosure to the Liphook Road junction.
20
The two ends of the road are joined and the first cars can drive down the new road. Work starts to improve the A325 for both pedestrians and vehicles.
2016
19
1
20
20
+
8
6
15
20
The first 400 homes are built. (2020)
RELieF ROAD 20
The green loop is completed, connecting the town with cycle paths and footpaths.
2 0 1 6 2 0 17
Businesses can lease vacant buildings. Work starts to improve Hogmoor Inclosure for cyclists and pedestrians, and make the conditions better for plants and animals.
The first pupils start at the new school (subject to funding). The town centre and leisure facilities open.
+ 20
20
The Army garrison leaves, outline planning permission is granted. Consultation takes place to gather views on the town centre.
20
Main site
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All new homes built (circa 2021/2022)
20 1
The second area of employment land becomes available.
what's happening with the relief road? When will the relief road open? The new road is expected to fully open in 2018. It is being built in two phases, with the first phase open in 2016. Work to prepare the site has already started on the northern section (which runs through Louisburg Barracks). It will take about a year to complete. The second phase of the road runs along the line of the former military railway between Prince Philip Barracks (on the main site) and Hogmoor Inclosure. This work will start this winter and the main work will be done in 2016 and 2017. This work (and the entire road) will be completed by 2018. The new road is critical to the successful regeneration of the town because it not only provides access to the main development sites, including the new town centre, but it will also take the pressure off the existing A325 which will then be remodelled to contribute to the wider improvements to the town as a whole.
What traffic calming measures will there be on the A325? Following consultation, Hampshire County Council will make improvements to the A325 so it is less congested and easier to cross. It also aims to reduce the ‘through traffic’ using it. Hampshire County Council has also adopted a ‘traffic management strategy’ for the wider area which identifies places which could be affected by development traffic and identifies ways to reduce this. Funds have been secured to make any necessary changes.
The double roundabout at the southern end of the new road will increase levels of pollution- what will be done about this? The junctions will accommodate the predicted level of traffic which the regeneration of the town will generate, while also being sensitive to the local environment – this work has been done in consultation with the South Downs National Park Authority. Any air or noise pollution resulting from use of the double mini roundabout will be less than from continued use of the existing roundabout.
How can you ensure that an additional 3,350 homes will not lead to an additional 3,350 cars commuting in and out of Whitehill & Bordon every day? We are working really hard to make sure that the town is pedestrian and cyclist friendly, so that it’s really easy – and enjoyable - to get around the town on foot or bike. This will encourage people not to use their cars. Public transport will be improved, using funds that have been secured, so that it’s tailored to meet the needs of existing residents – as well as the new ones. And because the aim is to provide 5,500 new jobs in the town, there will be less need for residents to commute out of the town for work purposes.
Why are we not getting A Train station? A study was carried out to assess if a train link would work. This study concluded that the cost of linking Whitehill & Bordon to existing rail facilities, for example at Liphook or Bentley was not justified by the small number of users predicted to use such services. Instead the redevelopment at Whitehill & Bordon is based on improving local services and facilities and local job opportunities to reduce the overall level of commuting and encourage walking, cycling and public transport for local journeys.
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How will we get the jobs? The regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon will create 5,500 new jobs over the next 20 years – but where will they come from and how quickly?
Industry and office
1, 9 00 job
Woolmer Trading Estate is virtually full and there is interest from companies keen The job figures given here are not definitive but are to set up their businesses in Viking Park. New targets we are confident we can meet on a site businesses moving into Viking Park and building specific or more general basis. their own premises will create around 230 new jobs when the site is full.
Broxhead House, the former officers’ mess at Louisburg Barracks, is to be converted into a business & enterprise centre for small and medium-sized enterprises (subject to planning permission). Expected to be completed by 2017, the centre will create 200 jobs. 430 jobs will also be created elsewhere on the Louisburg site.
With more than 3,350 homes to be built in the town as well as business premises, a school, a leisure centre and other infrastructure there will be plenty of call for construction workers in the area over the next 15-20 years.
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Also in 2017 a further 70 jobs will be available following the conversion of a building at Quebec Park into a community business hub. 490 jobs will also be created on the employment land northeast of Louisburg Barracks. One in ten of the new homes built in Whitehill & Bordon will have a space designed to allow people to work or run a business from home.
me r wo ki n
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The advance of internet technology has led to an increase in people running businesses from home while many As the population people choose to work from increases we will home rather than in an office, see more demand for reducing commuting and goods and services from the traffic congestion. businesses already operating in
g
By 2017 a future skills centre is expected to be built on Louisburg Barracks to provide construction training and new jobs.
Ho
Contracts with developers will ensure a certain number of jobs must be provided for local people and they will be encouraged to use local traders wherever possible.
s
Construction
s
On the garrison site, buildings are being retained for industrial use, providing space for 480 workers. Partners are promoting the town to attract new investors and seeking government funding for further improvements.
s ob
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As these businesses grow to meet the demand they will expand their workforce providing around 700 more opportunities for employment.
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We are working with globally renowned employers to bring at least one major administrative or advanced research centre to the town, which could be of European significance
rs
Growing existing businesses
e loy mp l E wn ba o To Glo me t Co
the town.
Retail and town centre 20 1, 2 job
Over the next five years the development of Prince Philip Barracks will see a new town centre with shops, businesses, food stores and other facilities, which will provide employment.
s
If approved, work will start on the new town centre in 2016. This will be a vibrant, bustling hub boasting the facilities, shops and transport links which a modern town should offer.
Public services 55
A new school, enhanced health The new town centre will be a vibrant place where facilities – including a new residents and visitors can socialise, shop, enjoy care home – and increased time at restaurants and coffee shops and demand for local services, pursue other leisure activities. There will be such as the police, fire and other attractive parks for people to meet and government services, will lead to more it will be easily accessible by foot, public sector jobs. bicycle and public transport. We estimate around 550 more people will be employed in public service.
0j ob s
What's being done for existing businesses? Whitehill & Bordon businesses were given guidance on how to boost their sales and freshen-up their shops as part of a scheme run by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and retail experts Vision On. Vision On mentored the businesses, meeting with them regularly to discuss ways of improving sales. The businesses made use of grants of up to ÂŁ1,000 from EHDC to pep up their premises.
At the end of the scheme each business was awarded a certificate from Whitehill Mayor Cllr Sally Pond at a celebratory gala in July - which around 60 people attended. The opportunity was open to every independent business in the town. The retail support programme is just one way the council is helping to boost the economy across the district and specifically in Whitehill & Bordon.
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What's happening in bordon inclosure? Plans to transform an Army training ground into a natural recreation area for residents are progressing. Bordon Inclosure is the first of a network of green spaces in Whitehill & Bordon to be improved and made ready for residents to enjoy. It is expected that Bordon Inclosure will be revitalised before the first home is built, fulfilling the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Project’s commitment to prioritise infrastructure ahead of housing. The improvement works are being put in place to support the development of Louisburg Barracks and Quebec Park. Work on the 24 hectare site (which is being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and overseen by East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council) began in May and, when it’s completed in December, will include a circular path around the area, trail walks, information boards, benches, picnic areas and a natural play site. The play area will not have swings and slides but instead will provide logs, boulders and other natural features to create a great space for kids to run, climb and explore their natural surroundings.
what is the shipwrights way? The Shipwrights Way is a route for walkers, cyclists, and where possible, horse riders which winds through the heart of East Hampshire. The route begins at Bentley Train Station and ends at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and will link to Whitehill & Bordon. Detailed feasibility work is currently taking place to scope options for the part of the route in Whitehill & Bordon. Once the route is completed, it will connect train stations, attractions (such as Alice Holt Forest) and settlements in the district. The Shipwrights Way - the name reflects the use of oak grown at Alice Holt Forest for Tudor shipbuilding – is being funded by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, a public and private partnership which supports and sustains economic growth locally. 10
Work underway at Bordon Inclosure
The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre is also spearheading a community arts project, as part of the overall improvements, to design a number of installations for the area with local artists. The wooded areas are being improved with the removal of tangled bushes and shrubs. This will make it easier to walk around Bordon Inclosure and allow more sunlight to reach the woodland. This management work will also make room for wildflowers to grow which will encourage butterflies, bees and other insects. Bordon Inclosure, situated to the north of the Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve, can be accessed near the new Quebec Park development. In the new year Whitehill Town Council will be taking on the management of Bordon Inclosure - substantial funding has been secured to make sure the site is looked after for years to come.
Can i leave my car at home? A network of paths and a circular route around the perimeter of the town will open it up to walkers and cyclists. Whitehill & Bordon residents will soon be able to make their way across or around the town using specially signed routes. The seven-mile ring route, called the green loop, and the interconnecting ways, called the green grid will be delivered over the next couple of years. It will mean residents can easily walk or cycle to local facilities, reducing traffic and giving people a healthier way to get about.
What's happening at Mill chase academy? Mill Chase Academy (MCA) continued to build on last year’s GCSE success with further improvements in a number of key areas. As part of Whitehill & Bordon’s regeneration, plans are in place, subject to funding, to provide MCA with new purpose built accommodation close to the new town centre. A priority for the academy has been the performance of its most able students. In 11 subjects, more than 20% of students achieved the top A*/A grades, with the figure at 22% in maths, 23% in art, 29% in history, 32% in computing, 47% in physics, 53% in chemistry, 53% in biology, 80% in philosophy and 92% in further maths. The further maths qualification allows students to achieve an A^ which is even higher than an A* and 33% of students taking further maths achieved A^.
Paul Hemmings, Principal, said: “I am so proud of our students’ achievements and am looking forward to the year ahead with further additions to our staff team. One of the most important roles I have as Principal is to ensure that the very best teachers remain at the academy while appointing good-quality, talented staff. “Several new teachers joined us at the start of September 2015 which has strengthened the academy still further which allows us, working together with the University of Chichester Academy Trust, to continue to improve education in our town.” If you’d like to find out more about the school – it is holding an open evening on Thursday 24 September at 6.30pm.
More than 60 Mill Chase Academy students delved into the world of the creative arts at the Whitehill & Bordon Access All Areas skills festival in June. The students explored sound and lighting, filmmaking and the world of work, including interview tips, presentation skills and body language.
How are students being helped?
The event was organised and hosted by The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre, in partnership with EHDC’s Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Team and the Hampshire Cultural Trust. The event provides the basis for more skill showcases on other topics to help young people prepare for employment. The students learnt about possible future careers in the arts as well as how to make the most of work experience, volunteering, college and apprenticeships. Rob Allerston, Director of the Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre, said: “We all learnt something about the creative arts at the skills festival and hopefully it will have inspired some of the young people to get involved in the industry after their studies.”
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Can i get help improving my home? East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) can offer you 25% cashback on a range of energy-saving measures to improve your home - including insulation and double glazing. You can even get a huge 50% EHDC can also offer ÂŁ5,000
cashback on solid wall insulation.
to the first 100 park home owners who sign up to install external wall insulation.
To register your interest and receive your information pack: Email beatrice.hubert-price@easthants.gov.uk Call 01730 234 352 Visit www.greendealhampshire.com
25% cashb
ack
on energy -saving home imp ro and 50% o vem ents n solid wAL L INSULATIO N
How can i get in touch?
www.whitehillbordon.com facebook.com/whitehill.bordon
@whitehillbordon
whitehillbordon@easthants.gov.uk
01730 234 329 This document was created by East Hampshire District Council’s Communications Team on behalf of the partners in the Whitehill & Bordon Delivery and Implementation Board. It was printed in Whitehill & Bordon on recycled paper and all details were correct at time of going to print (8/9/15).