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A fresh approach img1

11 January 2009 – New Year – New Rowner. Work Begins on Rowner Renewal Project

The Rowner Renewal Partnership has confirmed that preparation work has begun on site to start the long awaited Rowner Renewal Project. This eight year project involves the demolition of run down housing and retail buildings and their replacement with modern homes and facilities to create a sustainable community within Gosport.

Work follows planning approval for the first 219 new homes in Phase One of the regeneration project. Diggers will first start to remove the grass banks at the lower end of Howe Road. The southern end of the site is now largely empty and Portsmouth Housing Association is re-housing those remaining as soon as possible.

On 15 December pupils at Siskin Junior School and the Partnership celebrated the project by placing a time capsule at the lower end of the site. A ceremonial plaque indicates that the time capsule is to be reopened in 2059 by future generations of Rowner.

Taylor Wimpey, the construction partner, has also visited local schools and The Youthy to remind young people about safety issues and dangers on construction sites and launched a poster competition for site safety awareness. Many entries have been received and these will be judged shortly. Winners and runner ups will be announced by the end of January.

Taylor Wimpey, via its contractors, will also be able to provide jobs in construction and local firms have been given the opportunity to bid for the contracts. In addition, in partnership with Fareham College, it has committed to provide a minimum of five construction apprenticeship places for local people.

The Partnership is currently planning a demolition event at the end of February and will be inviting VIPs to celebrate the start of work on the regeneration of Rowner. It is hoped that residents will be able to start moving into the new homes by the end of the year.

The planning application for Phase Two of the project which will involve the new Tesco and retail sites will be submitted to Gosport Borough Council after Easter.