The move is the first such handover in East Hampshire
East Hampshire District Council is set to take a landmark step in community empowerment by transferring ownership of land and community buildings, including the Forest Community Centre, to Whitehill Town Council.
The council has agreed to hand over nine 'assets', ranging from play parks, public space, a village hall and the well-used Forest Community Centre.
The proposed transfer, agreed by Cabinet on 10 September, forms part of a wider ambition to put community buildings into local ownership through the council's Community Asset Transfer programme.
Whitehill Town Council's Executive Committee has agreed with the plan in principle and its Full Council intends to meet to meet in December to confirm final decision. If approved, the move would make Whitehill & Bordon the first area in Hampshire to benefit from this type of asset transfer.
The proposal reflects East Hampshire District Council's commitment to creating thriving communities by giving local people greater control over the buildings, facilities and green spaces that matter most to them.
Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Whitehill & Bordon, said: "I am delighted that Cabinet has approved this transfer. Town council ownership means valued facilities being under local control and protected for local people.
"A lot of hard work has gone into this by officers and I thank them for it."
Councillor Adeel Shah, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, said: "This is about fully empowering our communities and trusting our local partners to shape the future of the places they know best.
"By putting assets like the Forest Community Centre and Whitehill Village Hall into local ownership, we're giving Whitehill Town Council the long-term confidence to invest, improve facilities and deliver even more for local residents."
All town and parish councils in East Hampshire were invited to hear about the Community Asset Transfer programme at the council's launch of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) in November 2024. Councils interested in the possibility of taking on assets from EHDC have been invited to contact EHDC.
The approach focuses on building community resilience by enabling local organisations to take greater responsibility for assets and services, supported by the district council. Whitehill Town Council moved quickly to become the first Community Asset Transfer partner, demonstrating the ambition and capacity to take on additional community assets for the benefits of residents.
The Forest Community Centre will continue to be leased to Whitehill & Bordon Community Association and Whitehill Village Hall will continue to be run by its Trustees.
The nine assets on the transfer list:
- Forest Community Centre
- Whitehill Village Hall
- Jubilee Park
- Coniston Road Play Site
- Fir Grove Play Area
- Public open space at Alpine Road
- Hollybrook Park Play Site
- Land at Ennerdale Road
- Cycle way adjoining the Forest Centre
Want to know more?
Councils and organisations interested in learning more about Community Asset Transfer opportunities can contact East Hampshire District Council's Community Team on: Community@easthants.gov.uk.