FARNHAM and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford has hosted the first meeting of 2026 of his Bordon Taskforce, attended by East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council, Stagecoach, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and other partners.
The Taskforce was set up last year to bring those responsible for Whitehill and Bordon’s redevelopment around one table and unblock historic stagnation on key projects.
“Healthcare, transport and development are by far the issues residents raise with me most in Bordon,” Gregory said. “Frustration has built over years of slow progress. The meeting showed some welcome movement, but there is undoubtedly much more to do - and it needs to happen faster.”
Construction of the long-awaited new Sainsbury’s superstore in the new town centre continues and remains on track for summer 2026, delivering a significant boost for local shopping and jobs.
On bus services, Hampshire County Council and Stagecoach confirmed four-year funding for the expansion of routes 13 and 18. This will improve access to Alton and provide half-hourly and Sunday services to Farnham. New stops have been installed near The Shed and Chandler Drive, and assessments are underway for real-time information across the town. Stagecoach reported that ridership has returned to - and in some areas exceeded - pre-COVID levels, with Sunday usage more than doubled.
Gregory was pleased to hear progress on the wetside extension at East Hampshire District Council’s leisure centre, where both funding and now planning permission have been granted for the work to begin once final contractual matters are shortly finalised.
However, wider development progress remains contingent on the proposed new Health Hub. Discussions focused on securing the full package residents expect: GP and primary care provision, dentistry, community pharmacy and broader facilities.
“I appreciate that extraordinary factors are at play with the Health Hub, but everyone involved must now work at pace,” Gregory said. “I am pleased that East Hampshire District Council continues to actively pursue a solution - without its involvement, we would be back to square one. Residents rightly ask where things stand; I share that frustration and am doing all I can to maintain momentum.
“I will be blunt: this cannot drag on. Nobody wants continued limbo. Progress must be made this year - and if it is not, we must be prepared to look at other solutions.”
Gregory reaffirmed that Chase Hospital should remain fully accessible and unchanged until a confirmed, improved healthcare provision is in place, a position shared with Cllr Andy Tree, Deputy Leader of EHDC and cabinet lead for Whitehill & Bordon, who said “Our residents deserve the best healthcare services and clear clarity and commitment as to how they will be provided by the NHS ICB. I want to see as many (additional) health services provided locally as possible, including NHS Dentistry appointments.”
Cllr Tree added:
“I am pleased that Greg Stafford MP has hosted a further 'Bordon Taskforce' meeting. I attended as a locally elected representative to share views, help maintain momentum on the priorities outlined at Strategy Group and help push for delivery. I am very proud of what has been achieved at both grassroots Town Council and East Hampshire District Council level in terms of local projects.
However, the bigger areas outside of my control must be delivered for residents across Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford. This follows a Strategy Group meeting I chaired in December 2025 with key players attending, including DIO and Leader of Hampshire County Council. Health is a number one priority for our residents. Chase Community Hospital must remain open and with no further reduction of services until such time (if ever) a better facility can be provided within Whitehill & Bordon.
Other updates included new agreements for town centre estate management, advancing plans for a Veterans Support Facility, and progress on the proposed £18 million primary school.
“Things are moving in the right direction, but the Taskforce must continue to drive accountability,” Gregory added. “After too long in waiting, 2026 has to deliver for Whitehill and Bordon.”
