AN application to transform a former sergeant’s mess in Whitehill and Bordon into a new business and enterprise centre has been submitted to East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

Applicants estimate that “more than 200 jobs” could be created if Broxhead House, on Louisburg Barracks, is turned into office space for new businesses.

The plan has been put together by the Homes and Communities Agency and funded by the M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, major partners in the regeneration of the town.

“By working closely with the local enterprise partnership and district council, we’ve been able to secure crucial investment for Whitehill and Bordon,” said Kelly Hillman, senior area manager at the Homes and Communities Agency.

“The development of a new business and enterprise centre is just the start of a wider vision to create 5,500 new jobs over the next 20 years.”

If approved, the development will be funded through a £4m grant from Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, a public/private partnership set up to support and sustain economic growth at a local level. Some additional funding will come from the Homes and Communities Agency and EHDC.

Chris Quintana, enterprise and innovation project manager at Enterprise M3, added: “The refurbishment of Broxhead House is a crucial project that we are supporting in order to achieve the aspiration for creating not only confidence in the local economy but also to act as a catalyst for further economic growth in Whitehill and Bordon, which is why Enterprise M3 are committing £4m to the scheme.

“The facility will help kick-start the perception of Whitehill and Bordon as an economic hub, create market confidence by attracting entrepreneurs, support local start-ups and small businesses, and enable Whitehill and Bordon to attract new inward investment. In turn this will act as a catalyst to enhance the regeneration of the area.”

Broxhead House is one of the buildings of heritage value on Louisburg Barracks to be retained. Its size and design makes it “perfect” to be re-used to provide opportunities for start-up businesses and enterprises.

The plans include 1,758 square metres of new office accommodation and additional support, such as advice and training.

Broxhead House will be situated alongside a planned relief road into Whitehill and Bordon and will form part of an “impressive gateway to the town”, combining its military legacy with a “confident economic future”.

Adam Carew, district councillor and leader of Whitehill Town Council, said it would give “a huge boost to the town for jobs and local businesses”.

“This is exciting news,” he added.