TOWN residents, business owners, workers and community volunteers were out in force last Friday to learn about the future plans for Prince Philip Barracks.

Held by the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company, the consultation presented proposals for new community facilities at the barracks, giving people the opportunity to find out more about the town-regeneration project, and plans for the local area generally.

Regeneration Company staff were on hand to answer questions and provide information. The plans presented included:

* A new skate park: work is due to begin in the spring next year, for completion in the autumn.

* A youth and activity hub: this will provide a range of new activities for young people, including roller hockey, climbing walls, boxing and a cadet facility.

Construction starts in the autumn next year and is due for completion in the autumn of 2018.

* Enhancements to The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre building in Station Road: refurbishment will begin in the spring.

* Improvements to the Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club (pictured above): these will improve the existing sports grounds for cricket and football and provide additional sports, such as tennis, bowls and petanque. A playground will be created, along with a new sports pavilion overlooking the sports field. Work will begin in the spring and is due for completion in the autumn 2018.

* A new community garden and orchard in the Mustangs area. Work will begins in the spring and is due to be completed in the spring of 2018.

* A natural play area at the Hogmoor Inclosure: this new facility will “respond to the unique character of Hogmoor”. Work begins in the autumn and is due to be completed in the spring 2018.

* New community facilities and Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG): this will create a new outdoor activity hub, including a cafe and education room close to a new playground. Work will begin in the autumn and is due for completion in the spring 2018.

* Creation of the Community Development Trust: a newly emerging charity which is being set up as part of the town regeneration.

East Hampshire district councillor Glynnis Watts, portfolio holder for economic development and chairman of the Whitehill and Bordon Information Exchange, said: “I am so impressed and excited about the transformation of the town.

“The (youth) hub is very impressive with great attention to detail. The team have listened to what people in the town want and I cannot wait.”

Michael Grant, chairman of governors at Mill Chase Academy, added: “The proposed plans I have seen at the consultation are going to make a young person in Bordon very happy as it will be a paradise with the skate-park, play areas, exploratory woodlands and more. It will be like having our own Alice Holt on our doorstep.”

James Child, project lead at the Regeneration Company, said the aim is to “create a community that everyone feels part of and can be proud of”.

“We have spent a lot of time consulting with various groups of residents, young people, local businesses and community organisations to ensure that the facilities we plan to provide meet the needs of those who live, work and play in Whitehill and Bordon,” he added.

“Community consultations are really important to us and we were delighted to see so many people take the time to come and view the proposals.

“The feedback we received was constructive and positive, with the majority of those who attended fully supportive of the plans.

“All feedback is taken on board and where we can make changes and improvements we will. We are fully committed to delivering the facilities in the timescales given and will continue to be open with the local community about what is happening.”

The next community consultation will be held in February to present proposals for the town centre, which will be created when the barracks is developed.