Developer Radian announced that it had appointed award-winning construction firm Drew Smith to deliver the 100 new homes at the former barracks site.
These dwellings mark “a new and exciting chapter in the history of Whitehill and Bordon” and are the first significant batch of houses to be delivered as part of the town’s regeneration, which will see a total of 3,350 new homes built.
Stakeholders, residents and dignitaries attended a formal “start on site” tour and presentation at Quebec Park on Thursday and, following completed demolition works, the first phase of the development is now under way.
Hosted by Eastleigh-based Radian, one of the South’s largest housing, support and care providers, the event showed the development at Quebec Park.
The zero-carbon homes will be constructed to the “highest sustainable standards”, making them easier and cheaper to run.
Open market properties will consist of 65 two, three and four-bedroom houses and some apartments.
The remaining 35 homes will provide affordable housing, including 10 for shared ownership.
The initial showhome should be ready by the end of the year, with the rest constructed in phases over the next two years. First residents are likely to move in early next year and the development is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
As part of the development there will be employment created across the site, including at the Community Enterprise Hub which will be built in the existing Chieftain and Centurion Barracks buildings.
Radian said that approximately 50 jobs will be created in these buildings.
This is in addition to the 50 jobs anticipated in ancillary services for home workers and linked to meeting rooms, secretarial services and at a community cafe. A selection of construction apprenticeships will also be generated, it is hoped.
Andrea Smith, director of development and new business at Radian, said: “The start on site is a great milestone for Quebec Park.
“As the first development to get under way in the redevelopment of the town, all eyes will be on the new homes as they begin to take shape. With the demolition complete, we are looking forward to starting the first-phase construction.”
Drew Smith director Adrian Cator added: “We are delighted to have been appointed on such an exciting development for the local area. Having worked on a number of other projects with Radian, we are looking forward to seeing Quebec Park take shape.”
Drew Smith, in Southampton, and Radian have a history of working together after completing award-winning projects such as Stoneham Green in Southampton. The firm recently won the Richard Fielding Award at the 2015 Housing Design Awards.
Ferris Cowper, leader of East Hampshire District Council, said the event was “a major milestone” in one of the “country’s most significant regeneration projects”.
“Whitehill and Bordon’s transformation is now well and truly under way and I am really looking forward to seeing the results on the ground,” he added. “This is an extremely exciting time for the town and its residents, and I can’t wait to set foot in the first showhome later this year.
“And of course Quebec Park isn’t just about providing much-needed homes, it is about creating 100 new jobs on the site alongside a new cafe and new construction apprenticeships. It is all these important elements combined that make this such a fantastic development which I hope residents will be really proud of.”
As the Government’s national land agency, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) acquired the former barracks to prepare the site for housing development.
With nearby Louisburg, the two HCA-owned sites will provide 600 homes. Radian was selected by the HCA as the development partner for Quebec Barracks in 2013.
Whitehill Town Council leader Adam Carew said: “This marks a new and exciting chapter in the history of Whitehill and Bordon and, as leader of the town council, I was delighted to be at the opening with our mayor Sally Pond and Mr Cowper. The 100 new homes at Quebec are a vital part of the transformation of our town. After 10 years of debate and planning, and all the recent positive news of millions of pounds of investment heading our way, our residents need to see tangible proof that the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon is actually happening. Now it has started, and I look forward to seeing the opening of the first property and new community facilities. Working with the HCA I am delighted that Radian has been able to retain the twin Army buildings Centurion and Chieftain.”
Mr Carew said a “modern, airy space” would be created between the two buildings to provide the cafe and business area.
“Radian’s public consultation programme has been exemplary and I am very pleased that Radian is maintaining the high level of eco-build standards we agreed when we launched our Green Town Vision,” he added.
“Whitehill Town Council has now taken on the management of the Bordon Inclosure SANG (Suitable Alternative Nature Green Space) provided as part of this development and which is a superb area for woodland recreation for all ages and public enjoyment.”
This will be officially opened at the end of April.
Kevin Bourner, head of area at the HCA, added: “The Quebec Barracks site provides a good opportunity to build much-needed, quality homes for the local area.
“We are confident that Radian and Drew Smith will deliver high quality, sustainable housing, which will support the overall vision for Whitehill and Bordon.”
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