June 2014

19 June 2014

Work gets underway on Fareham’s new Innovation Centre

Work has begun to build a brand new business space in the Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus, Fareham.

The £5.3m Innovation Centre will contain office space and workshop facilities for new businesses, with a focus on the engineering, aerospace, aviation and marine industries. The project will create around 150 new jobs.

The development is part of £8.3 investment from Fareham Borough Council at the Enterprise Zone, which includes improvements to the runway and new hangar space. In autumn, Fareham College will open a new Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) on site.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Conservative Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “I’m pleased to see work has started on the Innovation Centre. It will offer top the range support and facilities for new companies in engineering, aerospace, aviation and marine, and will also mean the creation of highly skilled local jobs. It’s another exciting step in the delivery of the Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus.”

The Innovation Centre has been supported by a £5.3m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which is working with partners to bring thousands of new jobs and investment to the enterprise zone.

Kevin Bourner, HCA head of area, said: “This Innovation Centre is an important aspect of a key economic site for south Hampshire, which is being transformed by the investment committed to the Enterprise Zone. Through these changes, local people are seeing activity and development return to this site. That can only be good news for local businesses and the wider economy.”

Len Salter, Regional Managing Director at Bouygues UK, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this project at the Daedalus Enterprise Zone. We are excited about working with Fareham Borough Council on this project which will benefit small businesses, create local employment and bring an entrepreneurial spirit into the area.”

Work on the Innovation Centre is expected to be finished March 2015.

ENDS

11 June 2014

New beginning for Genesis Young Peoples Centre

This Saturday 14th  June Genesis Young Peoples Centre in Locks Heath will be re-launched by Y Services for Young People; showing off its newly refurbished building and celebrating exciting new beginnings with staff, Councillors and most importantly, young people.

The special launch event is a great chance for young people and their families to try out some of the fun activities available at the centre and find out more about the weekly youth projects and various activities that go on for children and young people.

Celebrations start from 12 noon, (until 2pm) with the Play Rangers hosting a free teddy bears picnic, bouncy castle, face painting and other entertainment for children up to 12 year olds. From 3-5pm, young people aged 13 + and adults and are invited join in the fun and festivities at a free BBQ.

Local charity; Y Services for Young People who run many of the youth projects at Genesis will now also manage the building as they take over responsibility for running the centre,  from Hampshire County Council.

The Centre, which is owned by Fareham Borough Council aims to provide a safe environment for young people in Locks Heath and the surrounding area, to meet and take part in engaging activities, social events and access weekly help and support across a number of areas. The centre boasts some impressive facilities, including a fully equipped recording studio (which is available for separate hire), Art Room and adaptable Performance Hall, with full lighting.

Leader of Fareham Borough Council and Chairman of the Genesis Management Committee, Conservative Cllr Woodward, celebrated the management change saying “Y Services have a strong record of delivering engaging activities and professional support services to young people across the Fareham Borough and I’m sure that the Genesis centre will flourish under their management, the existing Management Committee looks forward to developing this new partnership”.

Y Services Trustee and Chairman, Andy Kennedy, expressed his delight at Y Services establishing a local base; “As a local youth-work charity we are very excited about having a local, purpose-built Centre from which to co-ordinate our activities in Fareham.  We are really looking forward to the exciting opportunities that this new partnership with the Council will create for young people at Genesis, and for furthering our work, across the Borough, particularly in the Western Wards”.

ENDS

11 June 2014

Whiteley Computer Club trains whizz kids of tomorrow

A new computer club for children in Whiteley has been made possible after donations from County Councillors and a grant from Fareham community funding totalling £2,100.

To get started the volunteer led club needed to purchase various pieces of computer equipment. They were able to buy software, monitors, 8 computers, a projector and printer after a contribution of £700 from the Fareham Community Fund and donations from HCC councillors Sean Woodward and Patricia Stallard.

Conservative Cllr Sean Woodward, who is also Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said he was glad to contribute as “the club is a worthy project that recognises the advantages of developing technical skills in a rapidly evolving digital age”

The club’s application was supported by local ward councillor David Swanbrow, he said: ‘It is great to see the Whiteley Computer Club up and running at the Whiteley Community Centre. Initiatives like this, that provide an opportunity for local children to socialise and learn new skills, are a great use of the community fund”.

Any resident, or organisation based in the Fareham Borough can apply to the Community Fund for money for one off purchases. Fareham Borough Council encourages anyone with a project that benefits their local community or environment within the Borough of Fareham to find out more about funding support. For more information contact a member of the Community Action Team (CAT) on 01329 236100 or email cats@fareham.gov.uk.

ENDS

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