Rowner regeneration gets underway

The £145 million project to regenerate Rowner was launched with Jonathan Shaw MP, Regional Minister for the South East and five young residents as guests of honour.

The Rowner Renewal project is set to transform the area over the next seven years and demolition of the first houses began in front of around 40 invited guests.

The children were winners in Rowner Renewal’s recent site safety poster competition and their winning posters were printed on the new construction site hoardings.

Phase one of the project has now officially started on the first 219 new homes. Up to 700 new homes will replace 500 properties and there will be retail and community facilities, as well as the creation of local employment and training opportunities. Tesco is the chosen retailer for Phase Two of the project and will be providing up to 225 new jobs. Taylor Wimpey, the construction partner, has also pledged to fund five new construction apprenticeships throughout the lifetime of the project.

Shaw, who met people who have secured jobs in Rowner through the Government’s Future Jobs Fund, before the launch event, said: “This is a momentous day for Rowner; the demolition heralds an exciting new beginning for the community. I congratulate all those who have made this significant regeneration project possible; it is a fine example of the public and private sectors working in partnership with local residents, for the benefit of the community, to build a stronger future.

“The Government is committed to investment in housing; we know having a stable, secure place to call home is one of the most important things for individuals and families. This project will deliver that, as well as jobs and training. It is a win-win situation.”

Councillor Mark Hook, leader of Gosport Borough Council added: “This is great news for the people of Gosport. The talking stops and the work starts with this, the demolishment of houses in what will be the first stage of the biggest transformation the borough has seen in many, many years. The long awaited new houses, new lifestyle that the people of Gosport have waited patiently for is beginning, and after being involved in the project since the outset I am delighted to see the work commence.”