THE Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company has taken over the Hogmoor Inclosure.

The change of management took place on November 5 when the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the property arm of the Ministry of Defence, handed over the land to be developed with Prince Philip Barracks.

The 133-acre Inclosure will become an “integral part” of the “green network” of the new town to “enhance the area’s ecological value”.

Work to prepare the site for public use will commence in the coming weeks.

Converting the Hogmoor Inclosure, which has primarily been used for military vehicle training, into a “fantastic green space for the community” will mean that Whitehill and Bordon will host the third largest Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) in the country. The proposals include a new cycling route, footpaths, public open space, children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, a BMX or skatepark, allotments, landscaping and a public car park.

The southern section of the new relief road will skirt it, as an alternative to the A325 for through traffic and to manage the flow of vehicles to the new town centre.

The Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company said its initial focus would be to ensure the “security of the site and local residents”.

Regular vehicle and foot patrols around the Inclosure will commence, and the police will hold monthly group meetings, at Martinique House, to allow the community to report any crime or antisocial behaviour, like fly-tipping.

From early 2016, the focus of work will shift towards making the space suitable for public use. Then the next two years will see the development of the road and the SANG itself with the EPR, a Winchester-based ecology consultancy, brought in to assist in creating the greenspace.

Long-term plans will see additional aspects added, including further paths for walkers, cyclists and equestrians, a new car park, dog training area and other recreational space.

James Child, project lead at the Regeneration Company, said: “This is an exciting step in the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon’s Prince Phillip Barracks and the creation of a new, desirable place to live. It will see an expanse of waste and woodland, that was only fit for tank training, transformed into an accessible, ecological habitat. As one of the largest SANGs in the country, the new look Hogmoor Inclosure will be something for the whole community to enjoy and be proud of. While the overall transformation of the Hogmoor Inclosure into resident-friendly greenspace will take some time, we are working closely with various groups, including the police, town council, Neighbourhood Watch, district councillors and volunteer groups - to ensure the community remains involved in its progress.”

Whitehill Town Council leaderv Adam Carew said: “Local councillors have been determined to ensure that our green spaces such as the Hogmoor Inclosure are protected for the benefit of our community and future generations and that’s exactly what is going to happen.”