Ashley Regeneration Project: Long-awaited youth hub and shopping parade officially opened by New Milton Town Council

chris.march@advertiserandtimes.co.uk

Published: 03:00, 27 July 2024

THERE were celebrations in Ashley as its long-awaited youth building and restored shopping parade were officially opened.

The launches marked the culmination of New Milton Town Council’s Ashley Regeneration Project, and mayor Cllr Alvin Reid said it was a “very special occasion” for villagers.

Funded mainly by developer contributions, the Ashley Youth Hub will also provide storage for the adjoining New Milton Rugby Club, off Normans Way.

Amenities committee chairman Cllr Geoff Blunden (left) and mayor Cllr Alvin Reid opening the revamped play area, flanked by fellow town councillors and NFDC leader Cllr Jill Cleary (left) and district councillor Christine Ward (right) (picture: Derek Maidment)

The realisation of the council’s desire to provide youth services locally was stymied by a number of delaying factors, including Covid-19 restrictions.

The building’s completion followed a major revamp of the surrounding Ashley recreation ground, which included a new, larger play area installed in 2022.

The youth hub was built next to New Milton Rugby Club (picture: Derek Maidment)

Environmental enhancements were also made to the car park, and a footpath was laid to allow easy access across the green.

Cllr Reid cut the ribbon to the new building, saying: “Ashley recreation ground is a great community asset, offering green space for everyone to enjoy, a well-equipped play park for our young people, and the home ground for the successful New Milton Rugby Club.”

Officially opening the play area, amenities committee chair Cllr Geoff Blunden said: “We have invested in the Ashley recreation ground for our young people and the wider community to enjoy for many years to come.”

Amenities committee chairman Cllr Geoff Blunden (left), mayor Cllr Alvin Reid and NFDC leader Cllr Jill Cleary cut the ribbon to the revamped Ashley Parade, joined by fellow councillors and local traders (picture: Derek Maidment)

Cllr Blunden again carried out ribbon-cutting duties at Ashley parade, which underwent a £30,000 enhancement.

As reported in the A&T, the town council had long shared villagers’ frustrations and safety fears over the dilapidated pavement outside businesses.

It finally took the matter into its own hands last year after being shocked by Hampshire County Council’s inability to provide funding.

Ashley Parade’s dilapidated pavement had caused concerns for both villagers and councillors

A £15,000 grant was secured from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via New Forest District Council. This was matched by community infrastructure levy (CIL) funds.

Along with footpath resurfacing, improvements included the installation of extra floral displays which have been welcomed by traders and residents.

According to the council, business owners reported increased footfall since the enhancement’s completion.

Cllr Blunden said: “This is really good news for Ashley. A much-improved shopping parade.”

New Milton Chris March