THE COMING year is looking bright for Whitehill and Bordon, according to an upbeat statement from East Hampshire District Council.
Chairman of the Whitehill and Bordon Strategy Board Cllr Ferris Cowper said: “In 2017 we saw the future of Whitehill and Bordon taking shape before our eyes.
“All of us associated with the town, whether the district council and its wonderful network of partner organisations, or residents, businesses and voluntary groups, are seeing a rare and spectacular event unfolding before our eyes – the creation of a renewed community, diverse and fully supported by infrastructure and services – many of which are state-of-the-art – which offers the real hope of happiness and prosperity for all of its citizens.
“But this aspiration is no longer just a dream, it is happening all around us almost weekly and the speed with which that dream becomes a reality will actually accelerate in 2018.
“Many people in Whitehill and Bordon felt as if the town had been left behind, but that has changed now.
“Already, leading employers, new residents and major government bodies and agencies are realising that this is the place to be. With the planned growth of jobs, homes and facilities now and in the future, allied to its gallant military past, Whitehill and Bordon is a town that we can all be proud of.”
Chief executive of Hampshire County Council and chairman of the Whitehill and Bordon Delivery and Implementation Board John Coughlan said: “The amazing speed and success of the project during 2017 has been down to the innovative and collaborative way our partners have worked together for the benefit of the town.
“Their combined support, expertise and passion has secured considerable investment for the town and has seen us tick off achievements at an unprecedented pace.
“It is a really exciting time for Whitehill and Bordon and in 2018 we expect to take more giant strides towards its transformation into a green and healthy town.”
Among projects expected to deliver results during the next 12 months are a sports pavilion nearing completion on the Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club land and work on the new leisure centre is expected to begin.
Business will continue to boom with the launch of the TechForest, a segment of the Enterprise Zone dedicated to companies specialising in technology. More jobs and homes are also in prospect.