New homes under way at One Horton Heath
Eastleigh’s new neighbourhood starts to take shape
Work is well under way at One Horton Heath, as the first foundation stone has been laid for what will become a modern, eco-friendly community in Eastleigh.
Council Leader, Cllr Keith House joined the Council’s project team and housebuilding team (eastbrooke homes), and contracted builder Wates to lay the foundation stone for the very first homes. This moment marks the start of a much-anticipated development that will bring over 2,500 new homes to the area, with
one in three classed as affordable.
A third of the entire site will remain as open green space, with parks, playing fields, and footpaths to enjoy.
So far, 381 homes are already being built on The Lower Acre part of the site, with a focus on quality, energy efficiency, and creating a real sense of place for future residents.
Cllr Keith House, said: “This marks the beginning of a truly ambitious vision – not just building homes, but shaping a place that puts community,
sustainability and future generations at its heart.”
As One Horton Heath continues to take shape, residents can look forward to more updates on new roads, school plans, sports facilities, allotments, and more – all part of the Council’s long-term vision for a greener, well-connected, and inclusive Eastleigh.
To find out more onehortonheath.co.uk/ news-index
Stoke Park Farm transformed
A new green space accessible to residents opens in the Borough this summer.
Dog walkers, cyclists, nature lovers or just people out for a stroll can take time out from their stressful lives to enjoy themselves in a beautiful landscape, which is also a haven for wildlife.
Stoke Park SANG north-east of Bishopstoke is rapidly taking shape and is scheduled to open to the public in the summer.
See page 5 for the full story.
eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews
Our focus
As a Council, we are focused on improving the quality of life of everyone living and working in the Borough, both now and in the future.
Enabling a healthier Eastleigh
We want all residents and visitors to the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives and so we are focused on improving health and wellbeing and reducing socio-economic and health inequality.
Protecting our environment
Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that is valued, and which can allow residents, visitors and nature to flourish.
Shaping places
Creating and enhancing places where residents and businesses can thrive.
It is about ensuring that our neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces work well for everyone and that our places are attractive, vibrant, distinctive and safe.
Creating homes & communities
To help support a buoyant housing market we are delivering high-quality homes of all tenures to provide opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet the diverse needs of residents. We are also co-creating communities, alongside housing development, by delivering infrastructure, employment, leisure and open spaces.
Exciting new facilities open at Itchen Valley Country Park
Dog lovers are set to have a brand-new facility to enjoy this summer
The park’s new dog enclosure is a securely fenced area of woodland, ideal for ‘real-environment’ training and recall, agility and general off-lead fun. It costs £8 for a 45-minute session and all facilities are bookable from the Itchen Valley website.
Another brand-new facility, The Hide, is available for hire for businesses, community groups and other organsations, and offers a bright and airy space with panoramic views. The versatile main room holds 30 people and can be used for birthday parties, conferences, classes and workshops.
The Hide is equipped with six moveable tables and chairs and a small kitchenette. It is available to hire alongside the main space - or catering can be arranged by contacting the Country Parks team.
The park also has barbecues for hire and visitors will be able to book online. Bookings are 11am-4pm daily, costing £70.
Customers are required to provide their own charcoal, firelighters and matches. Each barbecue area can hold approximately 30 people, and there are picnic benches in the vicinity.
More details on the huge range of facilities and activities at the park can be found by visiting: itchenvalley.co.uk
Adventure on ziplines, alpaca strolls or Saturday fun runs at the park
An alpaca walking experience could be just the tonic you need at Itchen Valley Country Park this summer.
Hensting Alpacas have moved to the park enabling you to enjoy a peaceful, family-friendly escape into nature, providing hands-on alpaca trekking adventures through the park’s beautiful trails, woodlands and open fields.
For a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, why not try Go Ape at the park?
With easily accessible trails, three high-ropes experiences and two axe throwing lanes they have adventure covered.
Take to the trees and experience some of the highest platforms and fastest ziplines in the South of England. Alternatively, chance your arm with an axe and see if you can hit a bullseye. Ready. Set. Throw!
Finally, for those who want to take part in a fun, free and friendly weekly community event, there’s the Itchen Valley 5k Parkrun. Walk run, jog, volunteer or spectate, it’s up to you. It takes place every Saturday at 9am.
For more information, visit: parkrun.org.uk/itchenvalleycountry/course
Eastleigh Active summer programme
If you are aged between five and 16, there are bags of opportunities to get active over the summer.
A huge summer of events is planned between Monday 28 July and Friday 22 August including the return of some well-loved favourites, as part of the Eastleigh Active Summer programme.
There is badminton, CrossFit, Cycles4All, fishing, martial arts and tennis activities with more to come.
Skatejam is back at Freespace in Chandler’s Ford, on Monday 28 July, delivered by Team Rubicon with free coaching sessions and competitions in scootering and skateboarding.
Young people are encouraged to make the most of the summer holidays by trying something new and getting active. A range of sessions will be delivered by local sports clubs and activity providers across the Borough, offering opportunities to explore new interests and build skills.
The price remains £3.50 per activity (the same as last year’s) and there is a concession rate available. For out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/eastleighactive
Monday 28 July - Friday22 August
Walking sports offer an enjoyable and gentler way to get active. Did you know there’s a variety of walking sports on offer in the Borough?
The sports being provided are Walking Football, Walking Netball, Walking Cricket and Walking Rugby.
These are delivered by local clubs and organisations. So why not sign up and try a new walking sport this summer?
For more information visit clubspark.lta.org.uk/TennisinEastleigh Scan the QR code to find all tennis courts in the Borough. There’s something for
Newly refurbished tennis courts are at The Hub in Eastleigh and at Bursledon Recreation Ground and are the perfect venues to help tennis fans feel inspired during the Wimbledon fortnight.
The courts have opened following a £155,000 investment from the UK Government, LTA Tennis Foundation and the Eastleigh and Bursledon, Hamble & Hound Local Area Committees.
Fun in the sun for young people at Fleming Park
The latest phase of improvements at Fleming Park paddling pool and play area have been completed, getting the summer going with a splash!
The Eastleigh Local Area Committee (ELAC) approved the £169,000 project, funded by developer contributions. It brings new grass mounds to create a more interesting setting around both the pool and play area. Together with new planting they soften the existing character and add
natural play opportunities. ELAC are very thankful for the contribution from Inert, a local landscaping contractor who provided the mounds free of charge.
This phase of the project also brought a new starter skate track
W ith summer in the air it’s time to get tha t bike rolling...
We’re pleased to announce that CycleTogether Eastleigh will be continuing until March 2026, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Sustrans, the active travel charity.
Ray Craig - Bike It Ray - will be hosting events across the Borough, offering cycle training and support to provide you with the skills you need to cycle like a star.
Come along to the public Bike Doctor and maintenance training sessions to learn how to tune up your bike in style.
Learn some cool bike handling skills, then show them off with a little cycle tour and perhaps try a Beryl e-bike?
QR code.
Scheme at Places Leisure Eastleigh eastleigh.gov.uk/passporttoleisure
for people who are unemployed, on a low income, over 60, full-time students, Armed Forces, or have physical, learning or sensory impairments.
and basketball court; and once the mounds have fully settled an exciting four metre-high embankment slide and artist-designed poolside shading will complete the picture.
Please watch out for Dorset-based artist duo Denman & Gould, who will be asking for your views over the summer on their ideas for new shade structures for the poolside.
It is important that people of pensionable age –whether single, married or living with a partner –check if they are claiming all the financial help to
You may be entitled to Pension Credit even if you have other income apart from your state pension including savings and if you own your home.
If you are entitled to Pension Credit this gives you extra money to help with your daily living costs.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension
It may also help with housing costs such as ground
It is a tax-free payment and its purpose is to top up your weekly income to a guaranteed
It may unlock additional support including Winter Fuel Payments, Housing Benefit (rent) and Council Tax Support entitlement as well as NHS dental care and glasses, and for those over the Pension Credit may be backdated up to three
Work nears completion on the Borough’s planned new ‘green lung’
Eastleigh cracking down on fly-tipping
Council’s Local Area
a very successful week in April
environmental crime, issuing seven Fixed Penalty Notices
the space of four days
with fines of up to £800 each – for various waste offences.
Meanwhile, the campaign to identify a fly-tipper in Allington Lane, West End, where we captured CCTV images, has had some of our highest ever engagement on social media.
Stoke Park Farm is set within 103 hectares on the outskirts of Bishopstoke and borders Stoke Park Woods in the south. It is owned and operated by the Borough Council.
Planning permission was obtained in January 2021 to develop part of the site into a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with footpaths, landscaping, ecological features, and street furniture. SANGs are designed to offset the impact of increased visits to other popular green spaces, in this case the New Forest.
Once complete, access to the SANG can be found by walking or cycling via Stoke Park Woods, Sewall Drive, Upper Barn Copse and Crowdhill Copse. Should residents wish to visit by car, parking will be available at Stoke Common Cemetery car park and the SANG car park.
Works have started on site with a view to opening the SANG to the public in the summer. Hedgerow and tree planting will be taking place separate to this in the late autumn to
That rubbish appears to be from a restaurant, and we believe the waste may have been dumped on or around 4 April. It follows a similar incident in Allington Lane where rubbish which appeared to come from a bathroom, refurbishment was dumped.
The majority of the waste tipped could have been taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre for free –instead, it was fly-tipped in our local community, with considerable clear-up costs.
Our Local Response team say: “We take this offence very seriously. Where appropriate, we may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice or take the offender straight to court. Failure to pay can lead to an unlimited fine, up to five years in prison and a criminal record. Our message is: let’s respect our environment and dispose of waste the right way.”
Anyone with any information can share it in confidence at eastleigh.gov.uk/fly-tipping
coincide with planting seasons. The scheme includes a recreational space with a circular walking route and, rich grassland planting, as well as additional sections of hedgerow and trees. There is a centralised focal point with seating and a range of ecological features across the site, including log piles, hibernaculums, bird and bat boxes.
Features of the proposed design:
• New native planted hedgerows and a welcoming seating space
• New walking and access routes
• Habitat wet grassland for bird and invertebrate species
Find out more and view all the relevant planning documents via the online planning portal using reference: F/23/95844 eastleigh.gov.uk/planning-andbuilding
Grange Park trees restored
Trees have been restored to traffic calming features on Hedge End roads –following a campaign by residents and action by the local Eastleigh Borough ward Councillor, Cllr Ian Corben.
He arranged for the Council to restore trees to the speed-calming features in Stanier Way and Gresley Gardens.
Trees were an original feature of the street scene when it was built 30 years ago and their loss was felt by local people.
Cllr Corben who represents Hedge End North ward, was in the area when he was asked by resident and neighbour Chris Birkett if he could do anything about it.
Cllr Corben, said: “It was clear for all to see that trees were originally there because there was a hollow in each
bush where the original tree had been. I was very pleased to take this request to the Eastleigh Streetscene team and even more pleased they have now been planted for people to enjoy for years to come.”
Mr Birkett thanked Cllr Corben for his work. He said: “Thanks to Ian for pushing for these to be replaced after all these years. I was pleased to see him and some of our neighbours come out to mark this.
“It turns out that despite living here for some years some of the neighbours had never met each other, so that was a good result as well!”
Picture above: Cllr Corben (far right) with local residents
The
Services team had
tackling
in
–
Good news for newts at StokePark Farm
Eastleigh firms urged to Simply Recycle
Calling all businesses in the Borough – the time has come to get simpler with your recycling.
Since March 31, new government rules mean that firms and workplaces are now obliged to recycle items such as paper, card and plastics in a bid to cut down on waste.
Fortunately, Eastleigh Borough Council’s Commercial Waste team are here to help your business to go green and do your bit for the local environment.
Firms and workplaces are required to separate out:
• Dry recyclable materials such as plastic, metal, glass, paper and card
• Food waste
• Black bin waste or residual waste
The Council provides a separate container for glass and another container for metals such as foil, cans and empty aerosols, plastics such as washed food trays, cartons, pots and plastic bottles and paper such as cardboard and old newspapers/magazines.
Food waste must be put into a separate food waste container and black bin waste such as contaminated food packaging and nappies must go into the general waste bin.
Any business or workplaces that generate waste resembling household waste must follow these rules.
Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/businesswaste
An exciting project to create eight hectares of high-quality habitat, together with seven clean water ponds to benefit great crested newts and other species is planned to start at Stoke Park Farm this summer.
Eastleigh Borough Council has teamed up with the Newt Conservation Partnership (NCP) to create the new wildlife area, which will include the excavation of new ponds along with hedgerow creation, scrub planting, tree planting and grassland enhancement.
The pond creation is planned to take place in the summer, with hedges and trees being planted the following autumn and winter.
The new clean water ponds will differ in size and depth to provide a variety of different habitats, helping great crested newts, as well as other species like toads, water voles, damselflies and dragonflies.
Enhancing the land around the new ponds will provide shelter and
food sources, as well as benefiting invertebrates, birds and mammals.
The initial work and the long-term wildlife monitoring will be carried out by the Newt Conservation Partnership.
Eastleigh Borough Council and the NCP have also entered a 25year agreement securing beneficial management of the site by the Council to an agreed management plan.
This is all funded by the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme, which enables contributions from developers to finance great crested newt conservation work. The NCP have a great track record, having created 485 ponds at 149 sites across their operating area since 2018.
Picture credit: Newt Conservation Partnership. Handling and photography under licence.
Eastleigh shoppers shown how to cut down food
The sun shone as shoppers found out how to do their bit to cut down on food waste in Eastleigh.
A team from the Borough Council was at Tesco, Bursledon to support Food Waste Action Week giving out free food waste bin liners and recycling information.
The annual campaign has been running since 2021 and connects local businesses, government organisations and global partners to increase awareness amongst residents of the Borough about the significant impact that food waste is having on the planet.
waste
Campaigners wanted to get more and more people across the UK and Eastleigh talking about a range of measuress, including why buying loose fruit and vegetables is better.
Find out more about food waste recycling eastleigh.gov. uk/food-waste
Pictured above: (from l-r) Antonio Gagliardi, Heather
Sellen and Arelis Medina
Sign up for Eastleigh’s first Walking and Wheeling Festival
Eastleigh Borough Council has teamed up with Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, to deliver the Borough’s first Walking and Wheeling Festival.
The Festival will be launched on Thursday 14 August with a special event for families, ‘Careering Through Time: A Solve-A-Long Railway Adventure Trail’. Created by The Point for the Hamble Rail Trail as part of Railway 200, this free activity will celebrate the 200 years of public railways in Great Britain.
Over 30 events will be delivered over four weeks with something to suit everyone, whether you are looking for a challenge or a short, leisurely amble. The programme also includes ‘Creativity Walks’ led by local artists running taster sessions of creative activities on the Hamble Peninsula Trails.
All the walks are free to join, though for safety some will require advance booking. This is your chance to explore the local area with accessible walks led by expert walk leaders and local volunteers, or head off at your own pace on a self-guided ramble.
If you would like to get involved, we are recruiting volunteer walk leaders – Scan the QR code to sign up to join free training sessions and meet new people.
We recognise that some people who use wheeled mobility aids, for example a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, may not identify with the term walking and may prefer to use the term wheeling. We use the terms walking and wheeling together to ensure we are as inclusive as possible.
Eastleigh Mela 2025: a summer celebration of culture, community and music
Eastleigh’s vibrant celebration of its diverse cultures - the popular Mela event - is set to return this summer.
This year’s Mela takes place on Sunday 20 July at the Leigh Road Recreation Ground and gives people the chance to meet up with fellow residents from Eastleigh’s diverse communities.
The Asian Welfare & Cultural Association (AWCA) began the Eastleigh Mela in 2006, working with the Borough Council, and since then it has gone from strength to strength.
Confirmed acts:
On the Park Stage with MC Coco P:
• Kenwood and the Mixers
• Ketan Kansara
Eastleigh remembers: 80 years since Victory in Europe Day
Eighty years ago on 8 May 1945, the Second World War in Europe came to an end.
Across Eastleigh and the UK, people took to the streets to celebrate the end of the European conflict - although the war itself did not fully end until the Japanese surrendered in August of the same year.
Several communities in Eastleigh threw street parties to mark the historic event. A number of events marked the occasion including a spectacular vintage extravaganza on Leigh Road Recreation Ground, a VE Day flag raising in West End and a commemoration event at the Royal Southern Yacht Club. Chandler’s Ford Parish Council marked VE Day by lighting a ceremonial beacon at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.
• Shahid Abbas
• Chinese Association of Southampton
• SocAfrica Group
In the Activities Area there will be a climbing wall and Juggling Jake’s circus skills.
On the Garden Stage enjoy peformances by Irish dancers, Bollywood and classical dance and workshop.
There will also be belly dancer Jan Belly and Nepalese dancers. The programme will end with a rousing bhangra beat by Happe Singh and Ricky Kasba.
There will also be food stalls, information stalls, a caricaturist and henna stall.
Eastleigh’s Second World War heritage
Eastleigh Borough was an important location during the Second World War. Most famously, it was where the maiden flight of the Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft – which went on to play such a decisive role in the Battle of Britain - took place in 1936.
Eastleigh was a major railway town and the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley was also one of the biggest military hospitals in the country.
The Borough had a significant role in the build-up to the June 1944 Normandy landings, the decisive Allied invasion that signalled the beginning of the end of the war.
Four marshalling camps at Hiltingbury had a total capacity of 11,000 men and 2,000 vehicles, and were the largest group of camps in any of the marshalling areas in the run-up to D-Day. There was also a marshalling camp at North Stoneham.
The town’s Pirelli cableworks contributed to PLUTO (the PipeLine Under The Ocean) that was crucial to the success of the invasion.
Picture: Campbell Road Street Party in 1945 celebrating VE Day.
WHAT’S ON
THEATRE & MUSIC
NOW I’M HERE – THE REAL QUEEN TRIBUTE
13 June, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
DISCO FOR GROWN-UPS
13 June, 8pm
The Point
IS THAT A WHIP IN YOUR HAND?
14 June, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
STEAMPUNK ORCHESTRA
14 June, 7.30pm
The Point
AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH
19 June, 7.30pm
The Point
5 MISTAKES THAT CHANGED HISTORY
27 June, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
THE UNSTOPPABLE 9
PIECE TINA TURNER TRIBUTE
28 June, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
THE G-DFATHER RETURNS
4 July, 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
THE FLOYD EFFECT –DARK ANIMALS TOUR
18 July, 7.30pm The Point
VICTORIA MELODY & MARK THOMAS: TROUBLE, STRUGGLE AND BUBBLE AND SQUEAK (PREVIEW)
19 July, 7.30pm The Point
FAMILY
POP-UP UNWRAPPED FESTIVAL
31 May, 11am
Netley Abbey Cricket Ground
UNWRAPPED FESTIVAL
7 & 8 June, 10am
Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh & Greta Park, Hedge End
THE GREAT BALDINI: FAMILY MAGIC
21 June, 2.30pm
The Point
COMEDY
BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY
25 June, 11.30am
The Point
PAT CAHILL & KRYSTAL EVANS (WORK IN PROGRESS)
28 June, 7.30pm
The Point
SCUMMY MUMMIES: HOT MESS
4 July, 7.30pm
The Point
LUKE MCQUEEN & RAJIV KARIA (WORK IN PROGRESS)
19 July, 7.30pm
The Point
DANCE
RAMBERT SCHOOL SHOWCASE
20 June, 7.30pm
The Point
AN EVENING WITH HAMPSHIRE YOUTH DANCE COMPANY
22 July, 7.30pm
The Point
FILM
INCLUSIVE CINEMA: PADDINGTON IN PERU
17 June, 10.45am
The Point
INCLUSIVE CINEMA: MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3
18 June, 10.30am
The Berry Theatre
INCLUSIVE CINEMA: MUFASA
8 July, 10.45am
The Point
INCLUSIVE CINEMA: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
16 July, 10.30am
The Berry Theatre
COMMUNITY
PLATFORM DANCE 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
12 July, 6.30pm
The Berry Theatre
ABSTRACT DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS: DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR
13 July, 3.30pm & 7.30pm
The Berry Theatre
CENTRESTAGE PRODUCTIONS YOUTH THEATRE: KINKY BOOTS
30 July – 2 August, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
The Point
Eco-friendly fun at GreenFest
Join GreenFest 2025 at Itchen Valley Country Park, a day packed with eco-friendly fun, two performances by the Romsey Ukelele Group and flying displays by Liberty’s Raptors, as well as hands-on activities, and inspiration for a greener future!
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, nature, or simply looking for a fantastic day outdoors for all the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Come along, connect with your community, and take action for a healthier planet. Let’s celebrate Big Green Week together!
Free entry for those who walk or cycle to GreenFest. £5 entry for cars.
Find out more: itchenvalley.co.uk/ whats-on/greenfest
Sunday 15 June • 10am - 4pm at Itchen Valley Country Park
Summer events at the Country Parks
Guided walk and train ride
Thursday 10 July • 10am - 1pm
Cost: Free (not including train ticket)
Starting from Bursledon station car park we will walk to Hamble across the old airfield and catch the train back from Hamble station. This 7km walk will include a brief stop in Hamble.
Cyanotype Print
Workshop with Kate Watkins
Sunday 13 July • 10am - 12.30pm
Cost £35 • Age: 14+
Come and spend a relaxing few hours learning how to make cyanotypes or blue prints by harnessing the power of the sun.
A Wild Walk with the Hedgerow Yogi
Friday 18 July • 10am - 12.30pm
Cost £30
Learn about the folklore, culinary and medicinal uses of plants found on a walk and sample a wild crafted drink and snack inspired by your hedgerow harvest.
Wild Wednesdays
30 July, 6 August, 13 August, 27 August • 10.30am • Cost £5
Discover what minibeasts live in the different habitats and have a go at identifying them.
Crafty Sessions
10.30am or 11am • Cost £5
Have a go at making clay creatures; leaf print flags; quilling; cotton bag printing and more this summer.
Circus skills with Simon Chainey
Thursday 7 August 10.30am - 1.30pm • Cost: Free
Turn up and have a go at juggling, plate spinning, diablo and hula hoop with a skilled performer.
Big Bad Wolf Theatre
Friday 15 August • 5pm
Cost: Adults £18, under 18s £12, under 3s FREE. Family ticket £55 (2x adults, 2 x children)
Following the success of their 2024 production of The Secret Garden, The Plandits are back on the road with this brand-new show bursting with live music, silliness and laughs for the whole family.
Mad4Animals Show
Wednesday 20 August • 10.30am
Cost: Free
A family show with animals such as snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, giant african snails, hissing cockroaches and turtles, with the chance to have your photo taken at the end!
Summer Sundowner
Saturday 13 September
6.30 - 8.30pm • Cost: £6pp (food and drink not included)
Gather your friends together for our second Summer Sundowner, bask in the suns rays with a drink and delicious food in hand. Featuring music from local bands The Skylarks and The Hedgehogs!
Keep your eyes peeled for the Snapshot of Itchen Valley Country Park Photography competition coming this summer!
sposored by In partnership with
Together We Make Eastleigh
Over the past year Eastleigh Borough Council has been working in partnership with Eastleigh Town Council, Eastleigh BID, Hampshire County Council and Hemingway Design to shape the future of Eastleigh town centre in the Together We Make Eastleigh project.. This work falls within the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme the Borough Council has developed since 2022.
Founded on the views of over 2,500 residents, visitors and businesses, we have created a vision for Eastleigh town centre, which identifies key themes, and focus areas, that collectively we believe will make Eastleigh a more vibrant town, where more people want to spend time.
Funds from the UKSPF grant are also being used to brighten up Eastleigh Bus Station.
Local artist Amanda Moore has been commissioned to design an artwork which will transform the bus station glazing, giving it a much-needed colour boost.
More details on which can be found at eastleigh.gov.uk/council/ shared-prosperity-fund Picture: Artist impression
Allbrook Archway
A decorative iron arch which marks the entrance to a new community garden area in Allbrook has been unveiled by Allbrook Parish Council.
The arch, designed by Nigel Searle and brought to life by blacksmith Pete Clutterbuck, features an iron damselfly and even a tiny mouse.
The distinctive green archway, highlighting the Allbrook Parish Council colours and located along Allbrook Hill forms the colourful gateway to the community garden which borders part of the Itchen Navigation.
The beauty spot is a haven for wildlife and is being turned into a quiet green space where residents can relax and enjoy the natural world.
Funding to pay for the archway came from developers’ contributions for public art.
Former parish council chair, Cllr Dave Betts, said: “We have just taken over this lovely little area which backs onto the Itchen Navigation.
“We decided it was important that the entrance was very visible and that we needed some sort of archway.”
Pete Clutterbuck, added how much he had enjoyed the job of bringing the archway design to life: “It’s lovely to show the various elements of the design.”
Designer of the archway, Nigel Searle, said his design highlighted aspects of the community garden area.
Fed up with working nine to five in the office?
A new business hub in Eastleigh town centre could be the answer you are looking for.
The Point in Eastleigh is keen to welcome local businesspeople to use the venue as a base to work during the day.
Quiet areas are located in the Foyer and the Atrium.
There is no need to book due to the number of flexible spaces available. With free wi-fi and a café service open every weekday 10am-3pm, visitors are assured a warm welcome.
The Point is already proud to be the home of several charities and businesses including Wonderseekers, Bearface Theatre and Learning Through Landscapes.
The venue is also the perfect setting to hold a meeting, training event or workshop.
With rooms of varying sizes, numbers up to 300 people can be accommodated.
Hirers can choose between The Studio, Creation Space, Meeting Room or Auditorium to ensure their ideal requirements are met.
A new networking group has also been launched at The Point.
The Point says they want to bring together businesses located within Eastleigh with the aim of sharing knowledge, forging new relationships and providing support to one another.
To find out more, please contact Amanda Stallard, Commercial Manager amanda.stallard@eastleigh.gov.uk
Footpath upgrade near Hedge End station
Work is nearing completion on the footpath linking Bubb Lane to Hedge End railway station, with major upgrades set to benefit both pedestrians and cyclists. The path is being widened to three metres and converted into a shared-use route for walking and cycling. New lighting will be installed along the route, making the area safer and more accessible all year round. Additional safety measures include a fence near the pond and upgraded railings over the culvert.
One section of the path had to be redesigned following the discovery of a high-pressure gas main, but this was quickly resolved in collaboration with SGN (Southern Gas Network).
Progress so far includes edging kerbs being laid from Bubb Lane to the play park, some tarmac surfacing, and the stretch from Hedge End to the pond has also been dug out and edged in preparation.
The project is being delivered by Mildren Construction, a Dorset-based firm with over 30 years of experience. Once complete, the upgraded path will provide a safer and more convenient route for residents and commuters travelling to and from the station.
Supporting local people through construction and community projects
Social value is playing a key role in developments across the country and One Horton Heath is no exception.
Led by Eastleigh Borough Council, the project is being delivered with in-house developer eastbrooke homes and builder Wates Residential, who are constructing the Lower Acre phase. Together, the partners aim to ensure that the benefits of development extend beyond the construction site by creating local opportunities, supporting the economy and contributing to community wellbeing.
This includes promoting careers in construction through work placements, apprenticeships and school engagement. Wates has already worked with Wildern School to run mock interviews, helping students build confidence and prepare for employment. The team will be engaging with local education providers throughout the duration of the build, including collaborating with schools on a time capsule project and green-themed activities.
The partnership is supporting a number of local charities and community programmes. Other contributions include cookbook donations to the
MUNCH programme, which supports healthy, budgetfriendly cooking, and a preemployment training scheme with Back2Work. Projects have also taken place with the Girl Guides, and support arranged for St Francis Animal Welfare, a small Fair Oak shelter that rehomes animals in need.
Staff and volunteers will also be joining forces for a joint
Planting for biodiversity at One Horton Heath
Hundreds of trees have been planted at the One Horton Heath development as part of a long-term plan to boost biodiversity and create a sustainable environment for the local community.
The project is backed by Eastleigh Borough Council and brought together local tree enthusiasts, who helped care for
litter-picking session, helping care for the area surrounding the development.
As the project grows, so will the range of community-focused activities - Follow online at: onehortonheath.co.uk/ news-index
the young trees at the on-site nursery. Council Rangers and the Direct Services team supported the planting, marking a real step forward for nature in the area.
The trees were grown from local specimens, with planting efforts beginning in 2020. Some of the young trees, now over four years old, were carefully raised at the nursery, and required a few more seasons of growth before being planted onsite.
The nursery itself is a hub of activity, with dedicated volunteers helping with non-chemical weed control, planting, and year-round care under the guidance of the Council’s Green Spaces team.
Tree species selected for the project include hawthorn, field maple, hazel, beech, blackthorn, silver birch, wild cherry, and the English oak. The English oak is a favourite among the team and is a keystone species, supporting up to a thousand other organisms including plants, fungi, lichens, and many types of insects.
Insects such as caterpillars and larvae feed on oak leaves and play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Visitors to the area might also spot butterflies, bumblebees, moths, Jersey tiger moths, hummingbird hawk-moths,and oak eggars.
Find out more:
onehortonheath.co.uk/news-index/650_ trees_for_one_horton_heath
New homes under way in Netley
Construction has begun in Queens View, Netley to build 18 new one-bedroom and two-bedroom affordable flats and a retail unit, along with associated landscaping, vehicle and cycle parking.
The homes will form part of the Council’s eastbrooke homes housing portfolio and highlights its commitment to deliver much needed housing in the Borough, by using Council-owned brownfield land in existing residential areas.
Thanks to a successful grant application for £2,100,000 to the Homes England Affordable Homes Programme, all the units will be available for social rent to help meet the demand for affordable housing for individuals and small families in the local area.
Half a century of Boyatt Wood
A well-known area of Eastleigh is marking its 50th anniversary.
and was
The site will be named Airey Place, in recognition of the Airey Homes that were built in that area of Netley and played a key role in re-housing families after World War II.
The energy-efficient apartments will achieve the energy performance standards of the Future Homes Standard (2025) demonstrating the Council’s commitment to renewable energy with the inclusion of solar panels, air source heat pumps and EV charging points.
The homes are being built by Amiri Construction and are expected to be completed in Winter 2026.
Pictures left: Artists impressions of Airey Place
Nearly all of the land was owned by Penelope Chamberlayne McDonald who had appointed a development team to oversee the project and secure planning consent.
The plans included permission for 2,000 houses and 40 acres of industry, together with open space and a shopping centre.
All was duly built with the developers laying out the open space and the Council adding much of the additional planting along Woodside Avenue.
Although the planning consent was issued in 1974-5 and much of the infrastructure was put in, a recession in 1977 stopped everything in its tracks for some time.
When house-building eventually got going, it was the local authority purchase of land south of Shakespeare Road which kickstarted the rest.
Chris Corcoran who was a planner at Eastleigh at the time, said: “When I came to work for Eastleigh in 1974, one of my first major projects was Boyatt Wood.
“Boyatt Wood is now 50 years old and has settled into a community with a recognised identity.”
Picture (left to right):
- Allbrook Knoll, Boyatt Wood, January 1979
- Raglan Court, Boyatt Wood, October 1979
- Warehouse construction in Boyatt Wood, January 1975
Boyatt Wood, to the north of the town centre, is now 50 years old
a major project in 1974 for planners at the newly created Eastleigh Borough Council – following local government re-organisation.
New cricket facilities at Lapstone playing fields
The start of the new cricket season has seen the new cricket facilities at Lapstone Playing Fields being used for the first time.
Construction works took place in 2024 to deliver two new cricket pitches at Lapstone Playing Fields, along with two artificial non-turf pitches, the creation of new outfields, a two-lane practice net facility and associated landscaping and footpath improvements.
The project looked to address the match play and training needs of Fair Oak Cricket Club who have over 250 members across men’s, women’s and junior teams – and who can now all play and train on their
home ground having had to find alternative facilities elsewhere to meet their needs in recent years.
The project, has proven an excellent example of Borough Council, Parish Council and Community Sports Club working in partnership to deliver enhanced community sports provision for local residents to enjoy.
Tony Oxley, Chairman of Fair Oak Cricket Club, said: “The facilities provided will benefit the club and local community. This project is already enabling the cricket club to offer additional services to women, girls and disabled people in the community.”
A new Vision for Public Art in Hedge End, West End and Botley
Thanks to local voices, the Vision for Public Art in Hedge End, West End and Botley is ready to transform our community spaces.
You spoke, we listened. The Viewfinder Project collected ideas from local voices, including art that celebrates our natural spaces, tells local stories, and creates places where people can come together.
From creative seating to art trails connecting our neighbourhoods, every idea in this Vision came from our conversations with local people – in shops, at events, and through surveys.
The Vision creates opportunities for everyone to get involved, with many projects expected to be funded by developer’s contributions for public art.
Key highlights:
• Community-led projects that celebrate our local identity
• Sustainable art that enhances our green spaces
• Creative ways to connect Hedge End, West End, and Botley
Read the Hedge End, West End and Botley Public Art Vision: eastleigh.gov.uk/ hewebvision
Picture left: Under the Eye of the Light in West End by CAN and Felicity Hammond
New beginnings in Eastleigh
Many residents in the Borough have opened up their homes to Ukranian guests since the Russian invasion three years ago.
The first guests under the Home For Ukraine scheme arrived in Eastleigh Borough in 2022.
Help and support was offered by many residents and organisations - Eastleigh College provided English lessons to adults, libraries also ran English language courses and One Community and local residents generously donated items to help our guests when they first arrived. Many of our Ukrainian guests are now employed locally and their children happily attend schools here; many children have never attended school in Ukraine, having arrived in the UK while still pre-school age.
One Ukranian woman said of living in Eastleigh: “During a difficult time in my
life, your support was a real ray of light.
“Your help, kind words and presence gave me the strength not to give up. I am deeply grateful for your warmth, understanding and sincere heart. Thank you for being there when I needed it most.”
She added: “I am proud and grateful to live in this Borough. It offers not only countless opportunities and a vibrant community, but also a strong sense of safety and peace. The feeling of safety and support here allows me to thrive and fully enjoy every moment of life.
I am truly honored to call this Borough my home.”
Help shape the future of local councils
Eastleigh Borough Council is working with 12 other councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to look at how local government could change.
Right now, most areas in Hampshire have two councils – eg, Eastleigh Borough Council, and Hampshire County Council. Each one is responsible for different services. This is called a “twotier” system. The Government has said it wants to replace this with new, single councils - called unitary councils - that provide all local services in one place.
Consultation on merged council
The first stage in consultation on proposals to create a merged decision-making body for the centre of Eastleigh and areas to the north took place in April and May.
The planned community governance review (CGR) would merge Eastleigh Town Council and Boyatt Wood Parish Council into one larger organisation, representing the first tier of local democracy.
Borough Councillors will now consider the responses and come up with recommendations for the next stages.
With devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) set to create much larger unitary local authorities in Hampshire, Eastleigh Town Council and Boyatt Wood Parish Council have identified a number of potential benefits of merging: giving the councils a stronger voice on issues like planning, infrastructure and community investment, with decision-making remaining close to the community; there would be greater financial efficiencies and more consistency in the planning and delivery of services.
Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Keith House, said: “The proposals for local government reorganisation in Hampshire, creating a small number of very large unitary councils, could mean a loss of truly local representation and accountability. The planned community governance review for central Eastleigh reflects our commitment to keeping service delivery and decision-making as close to local residents as possible.”
If the decision is taken to merge the two current councils into one larger council, the election for seats on the new authority will take place in 2026, replacing the scheduled elections for the separate councils.
For out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/eastleighcgr
New District Commander for Eastleigh
Eastleigh has welcomed a new District Commander, with more than two decades of policing experience.
Chief Inspector Rachel Noble replaces Chief Inspector Matt Paling, who has moved on to a new role within the force.
Rachel stepped into the world of policing almost 22 years ago, beginning her fulltime career back in 2003.
Prior to that, she had been a special constable (volunteer police officer), giving up her spare time to serve and protect our communities.
“The Council very much looks forward to working with her during her time with us as Eastleigh’s District Commander.”
No decisions have been made yet. But the Government has asked councils to send in proposals later this year. Before that happens, we want to hear from you.
Your views will help shape our proposals and make sure local voices are heard. A survey will be launched soon to gather feedback.
To find out more and stay updated, visit: eastleigh.gov. uk/lgr
Chief Inspector Noble, said: “I’m delighted to have taken over as Eastleigh District Commander and I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all on my travels in the coming weeks and months.”
Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Keith House, said: “Chief Inspector Noble is a highly experienced police officer and on behalf of Councillors and staff at the authority I’m delighted to welcome her to the Borough.
Meet Eastleigh’s new Mayor
Cllr Janice Asman was invested as the new Mayor of Eastleigh following her election by her fellow Councillors at the Mayor Making ceremony on 19 May.
Janice has represented the West End South ward since 2016, and she also serves as a West End Parish Councillor. Her friend and colleague from West End Parish Council, Cllr Sarah Turl will be the Mayoress.
Janice was born in Bitterne in 1945 and attended Beechwood Primary School and then Itchen Grammar. After attending Itchen Sixth Form she started work as a receptionist and shorthand typist for a solicitors. They encouraged her to take legal qualifications, and she became a domestic conveyancer. She worked as a commercial conveyancer in London for a few years and worked in Lymington, where she met her husband, David in 1985. They settled in West End.
Cllr Janice Asman, said: “I am very excited about being Mayor of Eastleigh. I have enjoyed being Deputy Mayor and am looking
forward to meeting more people around the Borough and seeing the great work going on in our community.”
Janice has chosen Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Chandler’s Ford Stroke Support Group and
Have your say
Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting
Local Area Committees (LACs) are made up of elected ward councillors. They take decisions and make representations relating to their area on a wide range of Council business, including determining planning applications and environmental improvements.
Real-terms cut in Eastleigh element of Council Tax for 22nd year
Councillors agreed a real-terms cut in the authority’s element of residents’ Council Tax bills for the 22nd year in a row.
The Council approved a £2.12 annual increase on the average Band D Council Tax bill for Eastleigh Borough Council for 2025-26.
This year the average Band D Council Tax for the Borough is £2,227.68, with the Eastleigh Borough Council element £143.78, or £2.77 per week. The average Band D increase of 1.5% (£2.12) over last year is 1% below inflation –representing a cut in real terms that has been maintained for more than two decades
Citizens Advice
for the year.
as her
Cllr Richard Gomer, who represents West End North, was invested as Deputy Mayor for the year.
Public question sessions are held at the start of each meeting and if you would like to speak, you must register before the meeting begins. Please email democraticservices@eastleigh.gov.uk or you can register at the meeting. Each LAC has a Local Area Manager who works with the councillors to set the strategic direction of the committee’s work.
Contact us: Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 8068 8000 @EastleighBC eastleigh.gov.uk • my.eastleigh.gov.uk
Sign up to receive updates from us at: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews
services or Parish and Town Councils.
Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “At Eastleigh we have an unwavering commitment to providing valuefor-money services that are delivered to the high standards our residents have come to expect.
Less than 7% of the overall Council Tax bill for Eastleigh Borough residents goes to the Borough Council, with the rest going to Hampshire County Council, and the emergency
Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (6.30pm) 25 June • 24 Sept
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 8418
Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 19 June • 11 sept
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367
Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 11 June • 10 Sept
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369
“Some time ago we promised householders a real-term cut in the Eastleigh element of their Council Tax bills – and this has continued for what we believe is an unprecedented and unbroken run of 22 years. “All of this has been achieved by the prudent management of our finances and in a difficult economic climate for local authorities.”
Eastleigh (7pm) 3 June • 9 Sept
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369
Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 23 June• 29 Sept
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367
Details are correct at time of print. Distribution period - We try to ensure that the dates featured or listed in the Borough News fall after the last copy is delivered. However, some events may occur during the delivery period. We try to avoid this, but we are keen that events get as much publicity as possible.
Eastleigh Borough Council makes no representations, endorsements, warranties or guarantees, and is not liable for any loss or damage, in relation to any advertisements placed in the Borough News.
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