Highcliffe residents press for community facilities at Bar End depot

The Highcliffe Community Forum for Action presented a petition with 353 names to the full Council meeting.

They are calling for part of the Bar End depot be set aside for a 'community hub'.

But it look like their hopes will be dashed with the city council leader saying Highcliffe has already seen major investment in community facilities such as the new leisure centre and King George V pavilion.

READ MORE HERE: Local people press for community hub on redundant council depot

The preferred bidder for the redevelopment of the Bar End depot is due to be revealed next month.

Forum chair Janet Berry said: "We hope the council will consider asking its developer to create this aspect to meet the needs identified in the Highcliffe Community Plan in setting up a community-run hub and shop, offering new activities for the people of Highcliffe.

"A community hub would help build a real sense of neighbourhood. There is a lot of enthusiasm for such a hub with residents keen to volunteer. The depot is the final chance where land is available."

Ideas include art classes, dance classes, holiday clubs for youth and social clubs for older people, a community cafe and community fridge. It could be home for the boxing club currently based in cramped facilities in Barfield Close.

Janet Berry, chair of Highcliffe Community Forum for Action

But council leader Martin Tod put a dampener on hopes. He said the Highcliffe Community Plan was now out of date having been produced before the £40m leisure centre was conceived at Bar End or the £4m new pavilion at King George V playing fields which has community facilities.

Cllr Tod said consultations had revealed that the most popular new thing was not a community hub but a convenience store selling fresh goods.

He said Highcliffe had received much more investment than Stanmore or Winnall, Weeke, Alresford or Bishop's Waltham. "Stanmore is three times bigger than Highcliffe and its church, church rooms and community hall are reaching the end of their usable lives. Should this be where we direct our funds?"

Cllr Tod said Highcliffe had benefitted disproportionately from developer contributions. Some 40 per cent of community infrastructure levy (CIL) spending had been in Highcliffe, but the area has only generated 5 per cent of CIL revenue, he said.

He said council officers were meeting the boxing club to discuss relocation options.

Cllr Mark Reach, who lives yards from the depot on Bar End Road, said a shop was needed. The shop at the petrol station does not sell fresh goods. "We need to have fresh food, fruit and veg. It is critical we listen to local people to ensure the depot site works for the people of Highcliffe and wider area."

The Highcliffe Community Forum for Action has been asked to comment.