PLANS to revamp the area between Bordon's Forest shopping and community centres have finally got the go ahead after months of legal wrangles. The half-a-million pound scheme, known as the Forest Centre Integration Project (FCIP), was delayed following legal complications between project organisers and leaseholders at the Forest Shopping Centre. Town improvement manager Gerry Thorne said this week: "The legal contracts have been signed and we've overcome the difficult terms and conditions. "We originally thought that we would only need the permission of the landowner before the project could go ahead. "We did not anticipate that we would have to consider each leaseholder's individual contract. "However, as every minor decision made could affect another leaseholder, we had to look at every contract. "It was an unexpected delay and we're pleased to say that we can now begin looking for a contractor to begin work on the site." The tendering process to find a suitable contractor has now begun and is expected to last six to eight weeks. A specific date for the commencement of building work is still not known, and will not be revealed until a contractor has been appointed. Mr Thorne added: ""We hope the contractors are ready to go as soon as possible. "We are on the home straight now that we have overcome these problems, so we hope that works begins fairly swiftly." The project is now approximately two months behind schedule. It was originally hoped that the contractor would have been appointed at this point. County councillor Adam Carew said: "This is terrific news as the Forest Centre Integration Project is long overdue. "All the legal issues seem to have been resolved and we can move forward. "This is more than half a million pounds coming to Whitehill and Bordon and I think that shows real commitment to the regeneration of our town. "I was chairman of Business Breakthrough, where this project originated, and helped bid for the funding at county council, so its great to see the project finally getting off the ground. "This scheme is designed to integrate shopping and community activities and I hope it will give a vital boost to the Forest Community Centre and shops alike. "There will be new landscaping and we have made it very clear that we want to see native trees and plants used as this is more in keeping with our area and supports our town objectives to promote wildlife and protect our green spaces. "I have also asked that the traffic regulation order - which will see the partial closure of Pinehill Road to all but bus traffic and emergency vehicles - be reviewed in six months. "This project will also provide additional space for community activities, which could be used for anything from theatres and to street markets." The Forest Centre Integration Project has been designed to make the area more attractive for shoppers and as a venue for social events. A short section of Pinehill Road will be pedestrianised, and will be used solely for buses, cycles and emergency vehicles. The partial closure of the road will require some re- routing of traffic but will provide space for markets and community activities. The proposal will include: a better footpath linking the shops with the community centre; an arena for local events in front of the community centre; a new vehicle access from Pinehill Road to Somerfield's car park, and attractive landscaping, seating and lighting. There has been much community input into the drawing up of the new plans, including the involvement of councillors, the town partnership, Forest Centre traders and community groups. The final design has been amended in line with local wishes. The plans have been on the town council website, with links from the East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council websites. A spokesperson for Whitehill Town Council said: "We have given our full support to the project and look forward to the commencement of the work."
