Along with Quebec Park, which is soon to host 100 houses, the transformation of Louisburg Barracks is the start of the town’s regeneration, which will see 3,350 homes and new facilities built.
Following the military’s departure from the site, the Homes and Communities Agency has invested £10m to date to get the former Ministry of Defence (MoD) land ready for development.
As the Government’s national housing and regeneration agency for England, part of the Agency’s role is to transform public land into sites for development, helping to meet the need for new and affordable homes across the country.
Significant work was undertaken to prepare the Louisburg site for development, including demolition of existing buildings and removing a private utility network that had been left behind.
Having previously served as military barracks for more than 100 years, this work was essential and, as a result, land that was previously unsuitable for development had plans in place within 18 months.
Kevin Bourner, head of area at the Agency, said: “Louisburg Barracks provided a great opportunity to build much-needed new and affordable housing for the local community, so we were determined to get the former MoD land ready for development as quickly as possible.
“With Barratt Developments now on board, the vision for Whitehill and Bordon’s regeneration is an important step closer.”
Ian Wallace, managing director of Barratt Developments, which is based in Coalville, Leicestershire, added: “We are delighted to work with the Homes and Communities Agency again.
“This is an important regeneration project for the region and we look forward to working with all the partners to create these new homes.
“As well as providing 3,350 new homes for the local community, the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon will create 5,500 new jobs, a new town centre, a new relief road and significant community infrastructure, including a new primary and secondary school, new shops, a new care home and improved medical facilities.”
Renovation of the old sergeants mess, Broxhead House, is also hoped to be a source of the ambitious new jobs target, having received permission to be transformed into a business and enterprise centre.
Developed with the support of £4m investment from the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, this new building will house small and start-up businesses.
Barratt Developments will start house building early next year. The new homes will be a mixture of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties, providing a mix of housing.
Ferris Cowper, leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “Louisburg Barracks will be a key part of the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon with 500 new homes, 500 jobs, a skills training centre and a business and enterprise centre, all planned for this site.
“I am delighted Barratt has signed up to this exciting project as it means residents will soon be seeing the results on the ground and reaping the benefits.”
Geoff French CBE, chairman of the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, was also happy to see Louisburg taking shape and praised the opportunity to boost employment.
“The business and enterprise centre will be instrumental in securing new jobs in the town and our early £4m investment will ensure that these jobs are created in tandem with the new homes,” he said.
“This centre will not only support and nurture small businesses, attract start-ups and entrepreneurs, but it will also be a catalyst for further investment in the town.
“Whitehill and Bordon will soon be seen as a hub for economic growth and these homes will be in a sought-after location with access to interesting new jobs and opportunities.”
There is currently outline permission in place for the homes and full permission for the whole of the relief road, which is seen as an essential piece of infrastructure both for access and construction of the new dwellings.
The finer details of how the homes will look and how they will be distributed will be decided at a later date.
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