I have always wanted a brighter, more dynamic future for our communities. Transform our towns is my public campaign to help kick-start and support regeneration across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, breathing new life into our local high streets, retail spaces, services, restaurants, and high-quality housing — and protecting our countryside from unnecessary development in the process.
Our towns and cities have a rich history but, with significant development in the 1960s and 1970s, many no longer meets today’s needs. It’s time for a fresh start and this surely must be a huge opportunity from the devolution that the government is providing our area.
Councils across the area have sought to take regeneration forward, as shown by the news reports on this page. Having led the regeneration of Basing View in Basingstoke — securing a new Waitrose and John Lewis, and launching projects to reinvigorate the leisure park and traditional high street — I know the transformative power of well-planned development and I have a track record of regeneration delivering profit to the taxpayer.
Though I left Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in 2015, after my election to Parliament, my belief in the need for regeneration across Hampshire remains — and it is now urgent. Our towns deserve to be places that reflect our modern lifestyles and aspirations.
Objective
Our goal is simple: to regenerate our towns and cities so they once again become vibrant centres of community life. By investing in modern, high-quality, purpose-driven development, we can:
- Revitalise high streets: Replace tired, empty shopping centres with lively spaces that offer unique experiences and cater to modern needs.
- Create new opportunities: Develop areas that provide first-time buyers with affordable homes, as well as creating appealing options for older residents looking to downsize, all within walking distance of essential shops and services.
- Protect our countryside: By providing housing within our town centres, which reflects changing market demand, we can prevent unnecessary development in the wonderful countryside across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- Stimulate local growth: Drive job creation and economic growth by fostering environments where retail, leisure, and high-quality housing coexist to create thriving town centres.
Benefits
A modern, attractive town centre
Imagine our town centres transformed into vibrant hubs where residents and visitors alike can enjoy a blend of retail, dining, and community activities. Modern town centres can benefit from the best of Britain's traditional architecture, so that development is in keeping with its surroundings. With a rejuvenated high street:
- Enhanced community life: Modern spaces encourage social interaction and create a sense of place, making our towns more welcoming.
- Improved retail experience: New experiences on the high street that focus on service, quality and local flavour, rather than the older model of selling everything that used to be.
- Sustainable housing options: New, well-designed homes will offer a mix of choices for first-time buyers and downsizers, anchoring our communities in the heart of the town, and boosting footfall to underpin the commercial offer.
Economic growth and local prosperity
Revitalising our towns isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating lasting economic benefits:
- Job creation: New retail spaces and services mean more local employment opportunities, supporting a new economy centred on experiences and quality.
- Investment in the future: Upgraded town centres attract further investment, helping to maintain a cycle of growth and renewal.
- Community empowerment: A thriving town centre supports local businesses, ensuring that our communities remain resilient and self-sustaining.
A modern approach for a modern economy
Many of our towns were built in an era that no longer reflects contemporary needs. By embracing regeneration, we can update these spaces to support a modern economy that values experiences, sustainability, and community engagement. This approach not only caters to the current market demands but also lays the foundation for long-term economic stability and growth.
Impact
The economic imperatives for regenerating our towns are clear. In today’s competitive landscape, outdated town centres hold back local growth, limiting job creation, investment, and overall prosperity. By revitalising our high streets and urban cores, we can unlock significant economic potential — creating vibrant, sustainable hubs that attract both new businesses and high-quality residential development. This regeneration can draw on the best of traditional architecture to replace the concrete of the past, but is not just about aesthetics; it’s about re-energising our local economies, enhancing public services, and ensuring that our communities are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern era.
Join the movement
I’m inviting you to be part of this transformative journey. Let’s work together to regenerate our towns and cities, creating vibrant centres that offer quality housing, exciting retail experiences, and thriving local economies. Your support can help unlock the full potential of our communities and ensure that Hampshire remains a place where everyone can flourish.
Stand with us. Transform our towns for a better, brighter future.
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