DELIVERY of the new town centre in Whitehill & Bordon has taken a giant leap forward after receiving a massive £4.8 million funding boost from the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The funding will enable the development managers, the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, to push forward with the delivery of Makers Market – an indoor and outdoor market – as well as strengthening mobile coverage across the town, and better internet access for residents, retailers and businesses.

It will also be used to develop the town park which will surround Makers Market, and include a children’s play area.

Kathy Slack, Enterprise M3 (EM3 LEP) chief executive said: “We are delighted to see the next steps taking place in the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon.

“I am particularly pleased that this latest release of funding is supporting the creation of a vibrant retail and business community in the town centre, both of which are so essential in these times.”

James Child, project lead for the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, also commented on the “welcome step towards delivery of our ambitious plans”, adding: “We are passionate about creating a vibrant, long lasting town centre with shops, cafés, community and commercial business space, alongside leisure, entertainment spaces, offices and a new supermarket.”

It is hoped that work on the Makers Market will begin in the next couple of months, with completion expected by early 2021.

The regeneration company has been working alongside East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and partner Whitehill Town Council to create a “new town centre that offers something for everyone”.

Cllr Richard Millard, leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “Each step we take hastens the next and this crucial funding will act as a catalyst for the rest of the town centre. From this will follow the Makers Market, the leisure centre, the Health Hub and more, creating jobs, generating wealth and providing Whitehill & Bordon with a heart.”

Cllr Andy Tree, leader of Whitehill Town Council, added: “I am really pleased that this significant funding has been granted and look forward to seeing the positive results in the near future, for residents who have been eagerly awaiting the new town centre.”

It comes after fears were expressed that the town’s promised six-screen cinema could be scaled back, after the regeneration company announced it was reviewing this part of the scheme.

See enterprisem3.org.uk for more.