RVRA

Keeping You Informed

March News 2007

March 2007

 

21st March 2007

 

As most residents know, The News printed an article in yesterdays paper with the heading “BRING ON THE BULLDOZERS”.

 

This was in conjunction of the press release from The Rowner Renewal Partnership.  This Partnership consists of English Partnerships, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth Housing Association and Taylor Woodrow.

 

The Press Release was as follows:

 

“The regeneration of the Rowner housing estate in Gosport has received a major boost with the establishment of The Rowner Renewal Partnership that will unite the key players leading the transformation of this neglected neighbourhood.

 

The Rowner Renewal Partnership brings together five important agents for the change: the national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth Housing Association (PHA) and leading homebuilder, Taylor Woodrow.

 

The Rowner estate was built in the 1960’s originally for the Ministry of Defence, and is now largely privately owned.  Over the years it has been in the media spotlight due to its decaying infrastructure, lack of maintenance and resulting social challenges.  During the 1990s real progress was made to improve the area and involve the community in its regeneration.  This has included the construction of a community centre, refurbishment of a large number of housing association homes, the launch of a number of innovative community initiatives funded by the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and also the SureStart project.  The Rowner community, working with the local authorities and other supporters continues its work to provide new facilities and initiatives to involve young people such as the new Youth Centre and annual Rowner Carnival.

 

What has been needed however is a combination of private and public sector organisations that are committed to long-term change.  Today such a commitment has been made in the formation of this important partnership.

 

Hampshire County Council and Gosport Borough Council were instrumental in creating the partnership and bringing the estate to ministerial attention.  The resources and experience of English Partnerships, PHA and Taylor Woodrow will all ensure that the regeneration project is successful.

 

The vision of the Partnership is to regenerate the Rowner area by providing high quality environmental sustainable homes and facilities.  It will work closely with local residents to deliver new homes, job opportunities and community benefits.

 

A spokesperson for the Partnership, John Butler, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Housing Association (PHA) said:

 

“I would also like to recognise the important and key roles Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have played in supporting and committing to the Partnership and the overall regeneration of the area.

 

Our partnership is an excellent example of public and private sectors working together.  Through this Partnership - through our commitment and expertise - we can provide the opportunity for Rowner to examine its options and realise its potential.  This is a truly fresh approach.

 

PHA, working with the leading homebuilder, Taylor Woodrow, will now produce outline proposals for engaging with local residents, groups and businesses.  This process will start in May 2007.”

 

David Ashworth, Area Director at English Partnerships said:

 

“In our considerable experience, working in partnership is the only way to deliver successful regeneration projects.  This is an exciting opportunity to bring our skills and expertise to Rowner and we look forward to consulting local residents about their aspirations for their neighbourhood.”

 

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber CBE adds:

 

“For over two years, Hampshire County Council has worked discreetly and tirelessly to bring together key business partners, public sector and private developers to create a new vision and future for the people of Rowner.  Together, with our partners, we aim to ensure that the residents of Rowner have the fullest of opportunities to meet with all concerned so they can help shape the future of their estate.”

 

Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Councillor Shaun Cully said:

 

“This Partnership will provide a brighter, new start for the residents of Rowner.  It has been a long time coming, but it was imperative the right people were brought on board to ensure the best results are delivered for the residents of Rowner both now and in the future.”

 

If anyone would like further information on the Rowner Renewal Partnership and its aims please contact the Rowner Renewal Enquiry Line on 08450 343317.

 

ENDS

 

Media contact:

Judi Ammari at

Harvest Marketing Communications

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

 

Due to this press release, the Rowner Access Point (RAP) in conjunction with the Rowner Vision Committee arranged for an informal Rowner Vision Group meeting to discuss the press release on 20th March 2007 at 6.30pm.

 

RVRA Team Members attended this meeting and notes are as follows:

 

Committee Attendees:

 

David Miles  (DM)

Michael Lane  (ML)

John Butler  (JB)

Jacky Charman  (JC)

 

DM - made introductions and thanks for attendance.

 

ML - informed the floor that unfortunately no answers to questions can be made at the present time.  He said that more information will be available by May 2007 and further consultations with residents could then take place.

 

DM - congratulated ML on his work and effort to complete the project so far.

 

JB - said that the partnership were looking for people to engage with during regeneration project and are interested in what people think of press release.

 

DM - emphasised the need to talk when proposals are put forward.

 

George Fernie (RVRA)  enquired as to whether our Landlord was involved in the partnership or was even within the ‘loop’?

 

JB - said that the Landlord was not involved in the partnership but agreed that the Landlord needed to be brought into the loop.

 

George asked if the Landlord had been consulted as to the proposed demolition of The Village.

 

JB - said that the Landlord had not been consulted yet but agreed that any proposals must involve the Landlord.

 

Harry Ruscoe (resident) said that “the partnership” has now given many residents reasons not to pay further Service Charges.

 

JB - said that works won’t necessary be undertaken in The Village.

 

Veronica Jessop (RVRA) asked why have the press stated that the Bulldozers were being brought in if the flats may not be demolished?  Can we expect a retraction?

 

JB - said no.

 

Veronica Jessop enquired as to whether Labyrinth Properties Ltd had been informed about the press release?

 

JB - said that LPL had been informed.

 

Veronica informed JB that when LPL were contacted at 09.05 20th March 2007, they were unaware of any press release.  She said she had informed LPL about the press release and requested that a representative of LPL be present at the meeting.  LPL unfortunately apologised saying that no one was available to attend.

 

DM - said that The Village had received extremely bad press coverage over the years and that when he and ML have further facts, they will consult the residents.

 

Harry Ruscoe enquired as to who are Harvest Marketing Communications.

 

JB - said that they were a PR company dealing with the press coverage.

 

Father John Draper (St Mary’s Church) said that he had received calls from worried residents due to negative equity.  He enquired as to the financial offers to residents.

 

JB - said he did not know what financial offers would be.

 

DM - said that each individual would be consulted to see what they would like.

 

Veronica Jessop enquired as to how the decisions would be made.  She asked if decisions to demolish The Village would be on percentage.

 

DM - said that it would.

 

This caused a little concern until DM enquired as to what Veronica would like to happen to her property (demolish or not).  Veronica said her personal choice would be to stay and not to demolish.  She went on to ask the following:  Can PHA offer her a 3 bed family home for the same as her mortgage and Service Charge or less.  DM said no.  Veronica then asked if she would be in a worse financial state? No answer was given.

 

Suzan Veale (White Mid Sloane) stated that 60% of residents in the Village would be in agreement with Veronica and against the demolition planned.

 

DM - asked why and went on to say that LPL were unlikely to carry out any of the major works planned for The Village.

 

Veronica asked if DM new LPL had no intentions of carrying out any major works.  DM replied - no.  

 

The meeting then closed with DM saying that further consultations will take place as soon as possible.

 

Anyone wishing to discuss their concerns or the meeting should contact RVRA via the Contacts page