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Rowner

 

Approval of Rowner's Phase 2 Planning Application

6th October 2010

The Rowner Renewal Partnership (whose members include First Wessex, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Homes & Communities Agency and Taylor Wimpey) is today celebrating another milestone for the multi-million pound Rowner regeneration project. This will see the demolition of run- down housing and retail buildings and their replacement with modern homes and facilities to create a sustainable community within Gosport.

Gosport Borough Council’s Planning Committee last night unanimously approved the .  These plans include 101 new flats, a 10-storey residential tower, a Tesco supermarket, three smaller retail units and an area of open space with a children’s play area. (Phase 2 involves the existing areas of Darwin Way, Livingstone Court and Raleigh Walk.)

Public consultation drop in sessions took place in August and over 70 residents came to see the proposals for Phase 2 and speak to members of the Design Team. The feedback from residents was very positive and the colour scheme of red/cream was chosen for the residential tower. Following consultation, the Design Team also changed the position of the substation after valued feedback.

Leader of the Gosport Borough Council, Councillor Mark Hook said:

“This marks a significant step forward on the eight year project. Phase 2 has at its heart the centre of the new Rowner community – creating new retail space and new job opportunities for the residents of Rowner. Job creation is central to the regeneration and the granting of Phase 2 is very welcome news, not only for Rowner but for the economy of Gosport as a whole.” 

Commenting on the proposals Juliette Bishop, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, said:

We are delighted that planning permission has been obtained for Phase 2 of this important regeneration scheme and we are extremely pleased to be working with The Rowner Renewal Partnership. The new Tesco store will create many new jobs and working closely with organisations such as Job Centre Plus and Gosport Borough Council, this will allow these jobs to benefit local people.”

Hazel Warwick, Spokesperson for the Rowner Renewal Partnership and Group Director of Development for First Wessex added:

“We were delighted how favourably residents responded when they saw the Phase 2 plans. The completion target for Phase 2 is expected between 2012 and 2013 and it is hoped that demolition in this area will start next year.”

Any resident who requires further information or wishes to discuss what happens next, should contact First Wessex on the Rowner Renewal Enquiry Line: 08450 343317. 

For further information about the project please visit www.rownerrenewal.com

ENDS

Media contact: Judi Ammari at Harvest Marketing Communications

023 9244 9655 or 07960 888494 or judi.ammari@harvestpr.co.uk 

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Phase 1 of the eight year Rowner Renewal Project includes 219 new homes and work began in March. Demolition is now complete and new building work has begun at the southern end of the site along Howe Road. Rowner Renewal’s first new residents are expected to move into the new homes by Christmas/New Year.

An Alver Village Sales and Information Suite is located along Grange Road for interested people to view the private sales and shared ownership opportunities within Phase 1. This is open for private sales on Monday (1-5pm) and from Tuesday-Sunday (10am-5pm) First Wessex staff are there on Thursday (10am-5pm) to talk to people about affordable housing sales.

The Compulsory Purchase Order for the whole of the Rowner Renewal area has been issued by Gosport Borough Council. First Wessex now owns 389 of the 506 homes (76%). It is also the freehold owner of the Precinct building having completed on the purchase on 28 July.

All of the members of The Rowner Renewal Partnership are leaders in community regeneration and providers of quality homes:- 

First Wessex is a respected local association with a strong track record of success in community development and regeneration. First Wessex manages 1400 homes in Gosport of mixed tenure for rent and shared ownership. It has a significant stake in Rowner and is a well respected landlord, well placed to manage the outcomes of the regeneration.

Gosport Borough Council is the accountable body for the citizens of Gosport and speaks on behalf of the whole community. The redevelopment of the Rowner Village is a significant priority for the Council. They wish to work closely with their residents to ensure that within Rowner a cohesive and sustainable community is maintained. The Council has long supported community development and projects in Rowner and has assembled the team to get things done.

Hampshire County Council has played a key leadership role in facilitating the Partnership. It has committed specialist project management and financial support and secured the political will, at regional and national levels, for the regeneration of Rowner. It is the accountable body for the citizens of Hampshire and takes the strategic view for long term benefit. On the project their responsibilities include issues affecting roads, transport and regeneration.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)  is the single, national housing and regeneration delivery agency for England.  Our vision is to create opportunity for people to live in homes they can afford in places they want to live, by enabling local authorities and communities to deliver
the ambition they have for their own areas.

For more information visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/newsevent

Taylor Wimpey UK is a part of Taylor Wimpey plc. As well as operating in the UK, Taylor Wimpey builds homes in North America, Spain and Gibraltar. It aims to be the homebuilder of choice for customers, employees, shareholders and for the communities in which it operates. Taylor Wimpey builds a range of properties across the UK, from one bedroom apartments and starter homes up to large detached family houses. For further information please visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/alver.