REPRESENTATIVES from non-profit-making organisations in Whitehill and Bordon packed the Forest Community Centre last Tuesday to learn more about plans for sport and leisure provision in the town.

There were 34 groups at the event, listening to presentations by developers and stakeholders regarding the future of the town.

Claire Coxwell, from the charity Community First, spoke about the importance of the non-profit-making sector in the provision of sport and leisure. 

Danielle Friedman Brown, East Hampshire District Council’s principal regeneration officer, gave an overview of the proposals being brought forward, developers’ contributions and facilities. 

Liam Presley, a Hampshire County Council architect, talked about the sports facilities that will be provided at the proposed new secondary school.

Sean Herdman-Grant, from the district council, spoke about the £30million investment into new leisure centres in Bordon and Alton and refurbishments at the Taro in Petersfield. 

Town-council representatives discussed the sport-and-leisure facilities the council manages, such as the BMX track, allotments and play areas. The Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company spoke about developments in the Hogmoor Inclosure, the Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club, a new skatepark and a planned indoor facility.

Groups met with speakers on a one-to-one basis.

Kirsty Cope, the district council’s sports-development officer, offered support and advice. Groups at the event included Wey Valley Football Club, Whitehill and Bordon Walking for Health, Oakhanger Angling Club, Scout groups, Twirlstars Baton Twirling Club, the Town Partnership and Bordon Squash Club. 

“The update is a good opportunity for all to exchange information as proposals develop and to engage in a process of ongoing dialogue to develop a town wide approach for sports and leisure provision,” said Ms Friedman Brown.

The meeting was part of a programme of events facilitated by Community First for the Whitehill and Bordon Community Network.

Ms Coxwell, development worker at Community First, said: “The development plans for the town are a complex jigsaw of partnership working, and local groups appreciated the opportunity to hear the facts and talk face to face with developers and other regeneration partners. Community First will work with other organisations to ensure all queries are followed up and key issues passed on to X-Change, a group which acts as a conduit for communication between local residents and town development partners.”

* To find out more about the Community Network, e-mail Claire Coxwell at [email protected] or call 07467 941003.