Local Issues

25 Jan

Partnership for South Hampshire Quality Place awards – Southampton

This is the 5th time The Partnership for South Hampshire has run these Quality Place awards. I am very pleased that this year the focus has been on Quality Place and not just the development of Iconic buildings. West Quay South is a very good example of placemaking. The project has transformed a site which was empty for 20 years into a major leisure venue, while opening up public space and enhancing the prominence of the mediaeval walls (a scheduled ancient monument). This is the type of project which makes a real difference to public perceptions of the city, the economy, and to local people. I would therefore like to congratulate all those involved in its delivery.

I presented the certificate to Councillor Christopher Hammond, Leader of Southampton City Council and Andy Collyer, Manager of West Quay.

25 Jan

Partnership for South Hampshire Quality Place awards – Portsmouth

I was pleased to be able to present the awards for the 5th year
for the Partnership for South Hampshire Quality Place awards. This year the focus was on Placemaking. Iconic buildings may be of interest to many, but delivering a project such as the Hotwalls in Portsmouth which both brings an at risk historic building into sustainable use and transforms an area making a real difference to people and businesses in the vicinity is more than just being of interest. It is essential to the coherence and development of our communities . I would therefore like to congratulate all those involved in delivering the Hotwalls.

The project was catalysed by a grant from the Partnership for South Hampshire capital programme. It also very good to see how the studios are being used by professional artists and makers and early stage creative businesses in ways that add to the vibrancy of the economy. The project was the winner in the People’s Choice category as a reult of a public vote.

In the picture I am presenting the certificate to Deniz Beck, the architect who designed the creative space while she was an employee of PLC Architects in Portsmouth and Councillor Steve Pitt, Deputy Leader of Portsmouth City Council.

25 Jan

Thanksgiving and Dedication Service for Waypoint Church

It was an honour to be invited to speak along with Rev Mark Madavan at the Thanksgiving and Dedication Service for Waypoint Church marking the culmination of 10 years hard work to bring the new £5m building into being to serve the community. I am pleased that Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council were each able to support to the tune of £40,000 with 96% of the cash being raised by the congregation.

The investment by the councils gains wider community use of this amazing building which provides facilities and outreach for younger and older residents and all those in between. I congratulate the church team for their great achievement.