A major new community‑led regeneration initiative for Rowner has taken a significant step forward, following agreement from Gosport Borough Council’s Policy & Organisation Board.

The Government‑funded scheme is designed to put local people in the driving seat when it comes to shaping the future of their neighbourhood. While the council will handle the legal and financial side of the funding, the programme itself will be led by residents, community groups and local partners, ensuring decisions are made by the people who know Rowner best.

The next step is to appoint an Independent Chair to lead a Neighbourhood Board. Recruitment will open shortly and the Chair will help assemble a strong community‑led Neighbourhood Board and begin shaping a long‑term vision for Rowner.

The Board will have at least eight members, with the majority living or working within the neighbourhood. Membership must reflect the diversity of the local community and will include the MP and at least one ward councillor to maintain strong democratic links.

The Board will lead the creation of a 10‑year Regeneration Plan, that is supported by an Investment Plan and shaped directly by residents through extensive community engagement.

The Pride in Place Programme builds on the Government’s plan to support the most disadvantaged communities across the country, to shape a 10‑year regeneration plan that is based on local priorities.

At the heart of the programme is a commitment to:

• Building stronger communities
• Creating thriving places
• Empowering people to take back control of local decisions

Rowner is one of the areas chosen nationally to benefit from long‑term investment of up to £20 million over the next decade. Funding will be flexible, allowing residents to decide which projects matter the most to them and how best to deliver them.

Gosport Borough Council Leader, Peter Chegwyn, says: “This is a real opportunity for the people of Rowner to shape their own future. The council’s role is simply to support and enable the ideas, decisions and priorities, that will come from the community itself. I’m delighted to see this programme move forward and look forward to watching residents lead the way.”

Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage says: “The Pride in Place Programme is all about putting power back into the hands of local people. Rowner has a strong community spirit, and this long‑term investment will help residents, businesses and local organisations work together to create a vision they can be proud of. I’m pleased to support the next steps, including the recruitment of an Independent Chair.”

Grange and Alver Valley Ward Councillor, Tony Jessop, says: “I am really pleased that the Pride of Place Programme is now going forward, and I hope that residents engage fully, to make the most of what this opportunity offers the community of Rowner. I will be offering my services to the Chairperson and Neighbourhood board when they have been established.”

Grange and Alver Valley Ward Councillor, Jonathan Brown, says: “The people of Rowner are looking forward to this positive programme, which marks an important moment after many years of feeling disconnected from decisions about their area. Earlier renewal efforts didn’t always reflect residents’ priorities for community infrastructure, such as play parks and reliable street lighting, so this new approach is a welcome shift. I’m pleased to see the Council taking this significant step forward.”