There were 45 people, representing 35 different community groups and charities, at the Forest Community Centre, in Bordon, last Tuesday.
The evening, organised by charity Community First, was intended to update organisations about all aspects of the town’s development.
Steve Pearce, East Hampshire District Council’s project director for the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration scheme, gave a presentation covering plans for Louisburg Barracks, Quebec Park, Prince Philip Barracks, the new relief road and the recently announced Healthy Town initiative.
“It was a pleasure meeting representatives from so many community groups who provide vital services to the residents of Whitehill and Bordon,” he said.
“These groups have an important role to play in ensuring the redevelopment of the town that is now underway brings genuine benefits to existing residents as well as helping to integrate these residents with the new communities that will be forming.
“I was very impressed by the enthusiasm shown at the event for responding to this challenge.”
Lisa Hutchinson, community development lead at the district council, spoke about the creation of X-Change, a group which has been set up to act as a conduit between the regeneration partners and local groups. She also spoke about a new Community Development Trust model being considered for the town.
Naomi Metcalfe, community development officer for the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company, encouraged groups and residents to contact her about the regular meet-and-greet sessions the firm holds, at which people can gain information about new developments on site and the range of community events and facilities at Prince Philip Barracks.
Representing Community First, Claire Coxwell spoke about the support offered to voluntary and community groups wanting to expand to meet the needs of the new town.
Some groups have started to embrace this change.
For example, the Deadwater Valley Trust is now managing the recently improved Bordon Inclosure woodland and the Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership has taken on the responsibility of organising the town’s firework display which was previously co-ordinated by the Army.
Ms Coxwell also provided attendees with a list of events where people can consult with the regeneration partners - the first of which are scheduled for 11am and 5pm on Saturday, May 14, in Building 4 at Prince Philip Barracks.
Groups attending last week included representatives from the Scouts, community centres, village halls, the Women’s Institute, sports groups, conservation groups, care charities, Citizens Advice, disability groups and a voluntary car transport service.
Chris Webb, from the Woolmer Forest Lions, which initiates and supports community projects in the town, said the event was a worthwhile experience.
“It was good to learn about the planned developments,” he added.
“All questions were answered in a straightforward manner.”
Lynne Jeffery, from the Kingsley Centre, which offers disability services and manages a cafe, shop and community facility in the village, said it was a “very useful” evening.
“There is a huge amount of work being delivered in Whitehill and Bordon by the voluntary sector,” said Ms Coxwell.
“The town development will bring new houses, a new school, new work places and green spaces. We need to make sure we also strengthen the capacity for our community organisations to develop and plan for a rise in population.
“We want to build on the amazing activities that are already provided by existing organisations.
“This event gave staff, volunteers and members of these local groups a chance to express their aspirations and their fears to those taking the regeneration forward.”
Charities and community groups wanting to find out more about the Whitehill and Bordon regeneration should contact Claire Coxwell, from Community First, at [email protected] or call 07762 430408.
Meanwhile, the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company will be holding its May 14 community consultation day to provide residents and business owners with an update on the project.
The day will see the team behind the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon showcase four specific elements of the project, with key members of the team and project partners on hand to answer questions and talk through the plans.
James Child, project lead at Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company, said: “As people will no doubt have seen, there is lots going on in Whitehill and Bordon and we understand it is often difficult to really grasp what is happening in and around the town.
“We have decided to hold another community consultation day to update local residents and business owners on what has been happening and what is going to be happening going forward.
“Now that work is under way, there is excitement around town as people are starting to believe that it really is going to happen.”
There will be four main displays – the combined Dorchester Regeneration and Taylor Wimpey housing plans; the Oxney Moss Water Course and the key link roads and infrastructure; development plans for the BOSC Pavilion and sports facilities, and about the Community Development Trust.