THOUSANDS of jobs will be created thanks to the development of a new town centre for Whitehill and Bordon.

The first phase of the project was unveiled at a public exhibition on Saturday.

The Whitehill and Bordon?Regeneration Company (WBRC) is aiming to provide a sustainable range of retail, food and beverage, leisure, office and community spaces from 2019 onwards.

The plans include 27 shops and restaurants, a supermarket and office space for small businesses. It is believed the scheme will create around 3,000 jobs, bringing employment opportunities across the district.

The jobs on offer will be both in the construction industry and for further employment once the retail and business outlets open.

Project Lead at WBRC James Child said: “Prince Philip Park is about creating opportunities for people of all ages and the town centre will bring significant benefit to existing businesses as well as bringing new business to the area, creating employment and driving enterprise.

“The town centre will also feature new office space for businesses that want to relocate to the heart of the town.

“We have started to market the units. We have an experienced team working together to get the right mix of occupiers so that we have a good balance of retailers and eateries.

“We expect to see interest from many of the larger national retailers, but we also have specific space allocated for locally owned boutiques.

“We are in discussions with a major supermarket chain to take the main food store space, but it is still a little too early to be able to confirm a name.

“There will be 178 new homes delivered as part of the first phase of residential offering.

“Many of these will be purpose-built apartments throughout the town centre, that will be in a prime position for enjoying the retail and leisure options.”

Mr Child said that the new town centre will become a focal point for shopping, socialising, entertainment and business for both the regenerated town and people across the district and the wider area too.

“Whilst those living in Whitehill and Bordon and Prince Philip Park will have the facilities on their doorstep, there are 400,000 people living within half an hour drive,” he said.

“With a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, plus a theatre, nature reserve, play areas, public events and much more, there will be plenty of reasons to jump in a car and pop over.

“Once completed, the town centre will offer a level of retail and leisure experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the region.

“This project is about creating a destination that, along with other new facilities being delivered, will draw people in for day trips or weekend stays, as well as just for the evening or for a few hours of shopping and socialising.”