The trust is a new charitable company intended to create “social, economic and environmental” perks for the community, and to promote community integration.
The idea is to enhance the long-term regeneration of the town in its “widest sense” – not just its economy, facilities and services, but also the “community spirit” in the town.
Fostering a sense of community cohesion is one of the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company’s more abstract aims and, while it might not yield results as tangible as new houses, the scheme is a key part of the project.
The Regeneration Company is redeveloping the largest of the three former barracks sites in the town - Prince Philip Barracks - to provide 2,400 new homes (of the total 3,350 planned for the town) and a new town centre.
At a meeting on December 12, prospective applicants for trustee posts were given the opportunity to speak to those involved in the setting up of the trust.
Tim Houghton, chief executive of the Community First (Havant East Hampshire) charity, gave a short introduction to the concept and an overview of the benefits and challenges of setting up the trust.
As the Community Development Trust gathers pace there will be further opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved.
The hope is that passionate local people, interested in the “transformation of Whitehill and Bordon from garrison town to green town” will step up to help “create a thriving, integrated community as the town grows”.
The Regeneration Company explained the concept as thus: “In the light of the redevelopments and the many changes taking place to the Whitehill and Bordon community, a Community Development Trust is being set up so that partners and residents from existing and new communities can work together to help develop its identity.
“It will be important that the Community Development Trust understands and meets the needs of residents - and has a good understanding of the expertise that already exists in the community and with partner organisations - so that it brings added benefits over and above what is already happening.
“Community Development Trusts aim to build financial sustainability through trading, or delivering services as community enterprises.
“They adopt an enterprising approach to achieve social benefits.
“Any generated income from the trust will be reinvested in the Whitehill and Bordon community.
“They (the trusts) will also seek potential ownership of buildings, land and other assets to build business capacity and achieve community goals.
“Community Development Trusts can draw from a wide range of interests - the community and voluntary sectors, and private and public bodies.
“The trusts are community based and accountable - reflected in the composition of their boards of management.”
The four key aims of the Whitehill and Bordon Community Development Trust are: to ensure the effective implementation of key local strategies, including heritage, recreation and arts and culture; to initiate, co-ordinate and deliver community development and cultural activities to create a thriving integrated community; to encourage a green and healthy lifestyle among residents and businesses; and to own, maintain and effectively manage any endowed community land and buildings.
Initially the board will be made up of nine representatives. There will be three trustees from local government, three from developers and three community representatives.
Last Wednesday, the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company was due to interview candidates for trustees and will soon formally launch the trust.
To volunteer in the community, e-mail [email protected].
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