Community leaders, representatives from the townÕs businesses and local residents packed into centre to learn how they can take part in a major project which will map out the future of the town which has been dubbed by many ÒThe Whitehill and Bordon OpportunityÓ.
Members of a steering group, set up to create an overall master plan, told the audience that a major period of consultation would be undertaken so that residents can shape the future of the town.
Steering group chairman Andrew Pattie said: ÒThis is an opportunity of a lifetime. ÒIt is the kind of chance that would make the heart sing.Ó
He explained that the possibility of the Army leaving much of the town meant that there is the chance of MoD land being up for grabs and that it was time to start planning now, so that Bordon and Whitehill was ready if it did happen.
The chairman explained to the audience that the wishes of the community would strongly influence the master plan which will act as a blueprint.
Charlotte Cordy-Redden, from Defence Estates, told the audience that one of the reasons why the consultation is taking place is because the government is looking at ways to make the best use of its land.
On top of this, an ongoing Defence Training Review was examining whether a tri-service training base at HMS Sultan in Gosport is the best way to provide electrical and mechanical training to service personnel in the Army, Navy and RAF instead of each service carrying out their own.
No final decision has been made yet, and comparative bids from private companies for the training will have to be considered before the government announces its verdict.
But Ms Cordy-Redden explained that it was vital that plans be put in place before a final decision is made so that the town and key agencies were ready.
ÒThe last thing that the MoD and you want is for the land to be sitting there crumbling away while we discuss what to do with it,Ó he said.
She said that the consultation and drawing up of the master plan would take around two years by which time the government is expected to have made its final decision.
She pointed out that the ArmyÕs training areas, including those at Longmoor and Slab Common, will not be affected by any changes and will be kept by the Army.
If the Army did not leave the town then the MoD would still have a key role in the future of the town and an action plan for this scenario would also need to be considered, she explained.
The audience also heard from town clerk Linda Tiley, town project officer Chris Peterson, local councillor Michael Watkinson and the Commander of the Bordon Garrison Colonel Roger Owen who explained their different roles in the master plan exercise.
Residents and business leaders were then given the chance to quiz the steering group and speakers about the consultation.
Many were concerned that, in light of the recent permission for housing at RE Lines and St Lucia Lodge, the MoD will simply look to hand over any surplus land to housing developers which is the most profitable.
Ms Cordy-Redden confirmed that it was Defence EstatesÕ job to sell off land Òto the highest bidderÓ but that the military would be working with councils and other development organisations to identify land which could be allocated for other uses including employment, leisure and education.
This would safeguard those sites against housing developers who would only be allowed to develop land allocated for housing.
Mr Pattie also added that when the master plan is eventually approved it would create policies which will Ònot be ideal for developersÓ which will mean that they will have to build what the town wants instead of what they want - housing.
It would also focus on ways of attracting the businesses to Bordon which the town so desperately needs.
Michael Watkinson also pointed out that because the MoD were willing to work with local councils and residents there was an unique opportunity for everyone to work together and get the best deal for Bordon.
He said: ÒWhitehill Town Council, the MoD, in fact everybody is batting for the same team at the moment - everybody is batting for Whitehill and Bordon.Ó
At the launch, the steering group heard that organisations which are leasing MoD buildings - including the Phoenix Theatre and Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club - were fearful of their future.
Mr Pattie told residents and local groups that it was vital that they take part in the consultation so that these fears and hopes for the future can be known and have an influence.
The audience heard that a questionnaire would be sent out to every home and business in the town asking for local opinion.
On top of this, the district council is hosting a consultation session next Tuesday at Mill Chase Community School at 6-30 pm where residents will have the chance to air their views.
ÒWe need you to feel that you are involved and that you know what is going on every step of the way,Ó he said.
ÒTogether we can change lives and futures.Ó