3 May 2007 - Progress and Commitment of The Rowner Renewal Partnership

The Rowner Renewal Partnership - English Partnerships, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth Housing Association (PHA) and Taylor Woodrow – has made excellent progress since its establishment in March 2007. It has worked to identify potential funding and carry out initial surveys on the estate.

In addition, consultants have been appointed for architecture, environmental impact, retail, planning, landscape and transport issues and further work has been identified. Formal consultation with residents on the project design and discussion events will start in June and follow on through July. Here the residents of Rowner will have the fullest of opportunities to meet with all concerned to shape the future of their estate.

The Rowner Enquiry Line (Tel 08450 343317) has been kept busy and as a result, the Partnership has listened and is talking to many of the local residents. Some have decided to move now and PHA has been approached to buy some of the flats in the precinct area.

PHA, on behalf of the Partnership, has also worked with Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA) to put forward plans for an important extension to the existing Nimrod Community Centre. In addition, PHA, Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have helped to continue the funding of the highly successful Rowner Access Point to ensure that it continues its good work in the area.

Just last week Hampshire County Council celebrated the opening of its vibrant new Youth Centre in Rowner to provide fun activities, workshops, help and guidance for young people.

John Butler, Chief Executive of PHA and spokesperson for the Partnership explains:

“The Rowner Renewal Partnership’s initial work has concentrated on ensuring that the consultants and funding are in place before we start to talk directly with local residents, groups and businesses in June.

“PHA has begun to purchase some flats from those who wish to move and by buying the flats we are ensuring long term security for the estate during this transitional period. Anyone else who is unsure what to do in the short-term should phone the Rowner Enquiry Line. Options should be kept open until we are able to consult in June.

“So much has already been achieved in the last few weeks. The Partnership’s high level of commitment to the long term success of regenerating Rowner is clearly evident. We look forward to formally engaging with residents in June.”

Gosport Borough Council will be considering the Collaboration Agreement with the Partnership in May and a further update on the work of the Partnership and a timetable of community events will be available later in the month.

The Rowner Enquiry Line is open from Monday to Friday 9 am to 5pm.