'˜Prosperity Havant' plan aims to bring about economic boom in borough

That’s the message from borough leaders as a new strategy is unveiled showing investors that the region is open for business and ready for more economic growth.

The Prosperity Havant Plan has been created to celebrate recent success stories and show why it is the right time for people to work, visit and live in Havant.

And leaders say the initiative, which aims to attract more money from investors who want to help towards Havant’s regeneration, is a ‘future-proof plan’ to help it grow and succeed.

Sites in the plan earmarked for major developments include the transformation of Havant town centre and Market Parade and Dunsbury Hill Business Gateway, which is to be transformed into a business park, creating 3,500 jobs.

The plan says Havant provides a ‘unique opportunity’ in the south east and has ‘development opportunities’ of over 30 hectares.

It comes after retail giant Marks & Spencer finally confirmed it was heading to Havant.

The Solent Road shop will sell food, clothes and homeware and it is expected to create up to 100 jobs.

Welcoming the plan, Havant MP Alan Mak said: ‘The council’s Prosperity Havant Plan will secure jobs, growth and prosperity around Havant for years to come.

‘This is a future-proof plan, bringing together businesses and residents to transform our town centres and give people a higher quality of life. It has my full support.

‘Whether it is the exciting regeneration of Market Parade, or thousands of new jobs at Dunsbury Hill and Harts Farm Way, Havant is on course for a prosperous future.

‘I will continue working with businesses, developers and residents to keep our area prosperous.’

Addressing Waterlooville town centre, the plan says new edge of centre retail and leisure proposals are ‘increasing’ and opportunities for a mix of redevelopments in the town centre – whether it be for housing, leisure or employment – are ‘available’.

Leader of Havant Borough, Councillor Mike Cheshire, said: ‘This is an ongoing project to deliver prosperity to Havant Borough.

‘Developments at Dunsbury Hill and Harts Farm Way are progressing well, while there are exciting plans to transform Havant and Waterlooville town centres into real destinations for visitors and shoppers.’

Borough council chief executive Sandy Hopkins said: ‘With excellent and reliable infrastructure already in place by road, sea and air the Borough of Havant is becoming a prime location.

‘With the support of local MPs, councillors and our professional teams our aim is to ensure great 
opportunities for jobs, housing and the environment and make our area the place people enjoy working, living and visiting on the south coast.’