Regeneration update: Our next engagement update will be in early 2027
Over recent months, we’ve continued to listen to residents and stakeholders about the future of Buckskin and South Ham. We know many people are keen to understand what the plans could mean for their homes, families and neighbourhood, and that the continued uncertainty can be difficult.
We had hoped to provide a further update this autumn. However, having listened carefully to the feedback we have received, we believe it is important to take more time to consider the options and ensure any future proposals are properly informed by what residents and stakeholders have told us.
As a result, we are not yet in a position to share a further update. We now expect to return in early 2027 with a clearer view of the potential way forward.
We understand this may be disappointing, particularly for those who were expecting an update sooner or who are looking for greater certainty about the future.
We do not take that lightly. However, we believe it is better to take the time needed to get this right than to move forward before this work has been completed and all the options have been fully considered.
In the meantime, our conversation with residents continues. Our regular community drop-ins will still take place, giving you the opportunity to speak to the team face-to-face, ask questions and share any concerns or views you would like us to consider. (See page 9).
If you’d like to ask questions, share your thoughts, or stay involved as the conversation continues, we’d really love to hear from you.
Email: yourcommunity@sovereign.org.uk.
Introducing your new local South Ham and Buckskin locality team
We’re pleased to introduce our Buckskin and South Ham locality team, a new SNG housing management, rehousing support and property services team dedicated to SNG customers. Colleagues
working together locally will help us build stronger relationships with residents, better understand the neighbourhood and respond to local needs.
The team will soon have a regular local base at The Beacon on a Tuesday, making it easier for you to speak to us face-to-face about your home, SNG tenancy, neighbourhood or the regeneration programme. They’ll also be at our regular community drop-in events at the Ridgeway Centre and the King’s Cafe from October, allowing us to have an increased focus on the area and more of a presence in the neighbourhood. See page 9 for details.
One new website for all the latest information
Welcome to our new website bringing together updates for Buckskin and South Ham, Pinkerton Road and Camrose in one easy-to-use place. It replaces the three dedicated Commonplace sites, so you will no longer need to visit separate websites to follow the different projects. If you previously registered for updates through Commonplace, there is no need to sign up again – we’ll continue to keep you informed.
In the spotlight
Kelly’s story – how shared equity supported her move to a new home
Kelly is SNG’s first shared equity customer in Basingstoke. With our support, Kelly has moved from the bedsit she owned in Pinkerton Road to a modern, more spacious flat that gives her and her three much-loved house cats more room to feel at home.
Moving home can feel like a big step, but Kelly received dedicated one-to-one support throughout her journey. The team was there to guide her through each stage, answer her questions and help make the move as smooth and reassuring as possible.
'SNG have literally changed my life. I’m so happy. - Kelly
How Shared Equity works
Shared Equity is designed to help resident homeowners who need support to afford a suitable alternative home. It may be available where a homeowner’s property is proposed for redevelopment as part of regeneration.
You use the value from the sale of your current home, together with any Home Loss payment you may be entitled to, towards the replacement property. If there is a gap between what you can afford and the cost of the new home, SNG may provide an equity loan to help bridge it.
Unlike Shared Ownership, SNG's contribution is provided through an equity loan agreement rather than a leasehold arrangement, so there is no rent to pay on SNG’s equity share. Shared Equity will not be right for everyone, but it is one housing option that we can discuss privately with eligible homeowners, taking account of their individual circumstances, affordability and the needs of the proposed regeneration scheme.
Shared Equity can help an eligible homeowner move to a suitable replacement home without needing to fund the full purchase price themselves.
Pinkerton Road Area: Keeping you up to date
How your feedback has shaped the Pinkerton Road area proposals
Thank you to everyone who took part in our summer engagement. Across the two exhibitions, 222 people attended and 106 residents shared written feedback. We heard clearly that people want to be genuinely involved in shaping what happens next, and we’d like to share with you how we’ve listened and how we are now updating our early proposals.
Your local knowledge, concerns and ideas are valued and important.
Residents also asked us to look carefully at building height and character, privacy, parking and traffic, pedestrian safety, how new green spaces would be kept safe and well maintained, and how construction activity would be managed to minimise disruption to existing residents. Feedback about the garages and access behind Pinkerton Road to the allotments was also a high priority for many residents.
What you told us has directly shaped the next stage of our proposals.
We have reviewed the ‘play on the way’ idea and how it relates to roads and crossings; looked again at design features and materials, green space and planting; and considered parking, access and the potential impact on neighbouring homes.
Next steps: We’re continuing to develop our plans as part of the wider regeneration of Buckskin and South Ham. As work on the wider masterplan progresses, we are taking the opportunity to consider the Pinkerton Road proposals alongside plans for the surrounding area. This will help ensure that any future development is well connected, responds to local priorities and contributes positively to the wider neighbourhood.
We look forward to sharing further details as work progresses.
Update on our refurbishment pilot projects
We're continuing our refurbishment pilot projects in Cotswold Close and Winchester Road and wanted to share an update on what is happening next.
We’ll be contacting residents soon to arrange any necessary surveys or home visits, which will help refine the refurbishment plans. We want to work with residents and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to establish potential local improvement projects that could take place.
Residents whose homes are included in the refurbishment pilots will be contacted directly with more information. We’ll continue to keep residents informed as the project progresses and will share further details about the emerging proposals and opportunities in due course.
What we’re doing in your neighbourhood
The Beacon – a new community space
We’re pleased that the new community facility has now been handed over to Westside Community Association. This marks an important milestone for the area, creating a new home for local activities, support services and community events, delivered by an organisation with strong roots in the neighbourhood.
Come and have a chat with us
Whether you’d like to talk about the regeneration programme, have a question about your home or tenancy, or simply speak to someone from the team face-to-face, we’d love to see you. The sessions are informal, friendly and open to everyone in the community, with no appointment needed.
There won’t be any new regeneration information shared at these drop-ins. Instead, they are a chance to ask questions, raise any concerns or simply catch up with us.
All sessions take place on Thursdays, from 11am to 2pm:
Ridgeway Community Centre
12 November and 10 December
Kings Road Café
26 November and 17 December
Can’t make it?
If you’re unable to attend but would still like to talk to us, email yourcommunity@sovereign.org.uk. We can also arrange a home visit if that’s more convenient. Please get in touch and we’ll be happy to find another way to speak with you.
Summer family fun with Basingstoke Mencap
There was plenty of creativity, colour and fun in our local parks this summer, as we teamed up with Basingstoke Mencap to offer free activities for families. Around 480 people joined us over 16 days at Hill View, Stratton Park, Russell Howard Park and the Tidy Town Throwdown.
Children and families got stuck into mosaic making, plant-pot painting, birdhouse decorating, pebble painting and clay modelling. Alongside the crafts, our pop-up living room offered a friendly place to sit, meet neighbours and enjoy time together.
We loved hearing how much families valued having something fun, free and close to home. One resident described it as “a fun day out of the house for us all”, while others told us how much they enjoyed getting creative and taking their crafts home. A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the sessions so welcoming.
Camrose: plans submitted for 99 affordable homes
We’re pleased to share an important milestone for Camrose: Sovereign Hill Partnership has submitted a planning application to create 99 high-quality affordable homes on the former football ground. The proposals include 54 homes for social rent and 45 for shared ownership, helping more local people and families find a home they can afford.
This is an opportunity to bring a long-derelict site back into positive use and create a welcoming, well-designed neighbourhood that feels connected to the wider Buckskin and South Ham community. The revised plans include a generous new central park, additional parking and new one-bedroom maisonettes to help meet local housing need.
Thank you to everyone who shared their views at events and online. Your feedback has helped shape and strengthen the proposals, including the open spaces, parking and mix of homes. The application will now be considered by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and we’ll continue to keep you updated as it progresses through the planning process.
Skills 4 Work – opening doors to new opportunities
A new job can bring fresh confidence, greater independence and a real sense of possibility. Through SNG’s Skills 4 Work programme, people across the borough received practical, personalised support to help them take that important next step.
Skills 4 Work was a borough-wide initiative delivered through a partnership between SNG and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Funded by the council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it supported residents aged 16 and over who were unemployed and wanted to improve their career prospects. Participants could access one-to-one coaching, training and employability support, including help with CVs, job searches and interview skills.
Here in Buckskin and South Ham, we supported 19 people – helping local residents build skills, confidence and stronger routes into employment.
Real people, real results
Among the fantastic outcomes achieved by participants from Buckskin and South Ham were:
- one person joined Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s grounds maintenance team
- three people became teaching assistants
- two people moved into full-time security roles after completing our funded SIA security bootcamp
- one person found work in transport
- two people secured administration roles
- one person started work as a care worker in a care home
The support went much further than job applications. Participants also accessed training, digital skills support, financial help and introductions to other useful services. Every achievement represents someone gaining new skills, building confidence and moving towards a more secure future.
Your community notice board
Check out the activities happening locally this autumn. Add the dates to your diary and pop along.
King’s Café, Kings Road, South Ham | Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.30pm (a great choice of food is available, from a full breakfast to homemade cakes).
South Ham Seniors | Mondays, 10am to 11.30am, at King’s Café
A new social club with a different weekly activity including quizzes, craft, board games and guest speakers. £2 entry – hot drink and biscuits included.
Westside Community Food Pantry, running from the Kings Café | Tuesday 10.00am to 1pm |
Wednesday 10.00am to 1pm
The Pantry is a membership scheme aimed at helping people make their money go further. Members will be able to get 12 food items for £6.
Ridgeway Community Centre, Blackdown Close, Buckskin, RG22 5BW.
Eco-food Market Pantry | Wednesday 10am to 1pm | Friday 10.00am to 12.30pm (12 food items for £6, bring your own containers and boxes).
Parent Toddler Group | Tuesday, 10am to 12pm (£1.50 per child, includes refreshments).
Ridgeway Ravers | Wednesday, 10am to 12 noon (Over 55s club, new members welcome).
Lunch Club | Thursday, 12 noon to 12.30pm (all ages, £6 for dinner and pudding, tea/coffee). To book call 01256 470665
Cosy Corner Café | Monday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm. Friday 10am to 1pm (Great choice of food available, from a full breakfast to baked potatoes).
Seniors Well-being Walks | Tuesday, 9.15am (free 45-minute gentle walk around the local area).
Table Tennis | Every first and third Tuesday of the month, 1.30pm to 3.30pm (lively community sessions – all abilities are welcome and equipment is supplied; £5 per session, including refreshments).
Buckskin Evangelical Church, Chiltern Way, RG22 5BB.
There’s lots happening at Buckskin Evangelical Church between now and Christmas, with something for all ages.
Sunday Service | Sundays, 10.30am–12pm
Our relaxed Sunday service begins with live music from our band, followed by a short talk, opportunities for prayer and more singing. Children and young people can also join age-appropriate groups during the service.
Stepping Stones | Wednesdays, 10am–11.30am
A friendly mother and toddler group with plenty of toys, time to socialise and a chance for both little ones and grown-ups to make new friends. Hot drinks and snacks are provided.
Allstarz | Wednesdays, 4pm–5pm
A free children’s club with crafts, games, a snack and a Bible story. A fun and welcoming space for children to come along and enjoy themselves.
Coffee Morning | Thursdays, 10.30am–12pm
Come along for a relaxed morning of good company, coffee and treats. Everyone is welcome.
Buckskin Food Pantry | Thursdays, 11am–12.30pm
Doors open from 10am. The Food Pantry provides an opportunity to collect food that would otherwise go to waste, while enjoying a cuppa and a sweet treat in a friendly environment.
Lunch Plus | Every other Friday, 11am–2pm
Come along for coffee and a biscuit, followed by a delicious lunch and pudding. A voluntary donation of £3 is welcomed.
Alpha Course | Tuesdays, 6.45pm–9pm
Ever wondered about Christianity or have questions about faith and life? Alpha is a relaxed course where you can explore some of life’s big questions, meet new people and chat openly. A hot meal is provided before the course begins.
Carols by Fairy Light | Sunday 13 December, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Come and enjoy an evening of traditional Christmas carols in a beautiful, relaxed setting.
Blue Christmas | Thursday 17 December, 7pm to 9pm
Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. This reflective service offers a space for anyone experiencing loss, loneliness or other challenges during the festive season. A light meal will be provided.
Community Christmas | Saturday 19 December, 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Come and celebrate Christmas with the local community! Enjoy crafts, Pop-Up Play, Christmas market stalls, a chance to meet Santa, a performance from Chiltern Primary School Choir and refreshments. Most activities, including meeting Santa, are completely free, although there will be opportunities to purchase items from the market stall.
Buckskin Foodbank- Buckskin Evangelical Church, Chiltern Way, RG22 5BB | Fridays, 10.30am to 12.30pm
The Foodbank provides food parcels for those who need them. Support from Citizens Advice is also available every week, alongside an Andover Mind wellbeing drop-in every fortnight.
For more information about any of our activities, please get in touch with Buckskin Evangelical Church. We look forward to welcoming you!
Basingstoke Carnival Dance Club | Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm (£5 non-members and £4 for members, which includes tea and biscuits)
Basingstoke Carnival Hall, Council Road, RG21 3DH
A social group for dancers to join in with Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Dance.
For further details:
Email: banterharris1968@gmail.com
Phone: 07890 028669
CGHB Surgeries – News from the Patients Participation Group (PPG)
For details of what’s on and to get a copy of the latest newsletter visit: www.cghppg.weebly.com/news
Email: cghb.surgeryppg@btinternet.com
Important changes to waste collections
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is introducing changes to waste collections from Monday 12 October to help meet government waste reduction targets.
Under the new arrangements, residents' rubbish bins will be emptied fortnightly on the opposite week to their recycling bins. Food waste caddies will continue to be collected weekly, and glass collections will remain fortnightly.
People are being encouraged to look out for important information arriving by post, explaining the changes to their bin collection days. The envelope includes a cut-out-and-keep collection calendar tailored to each property, showing new collection dates for all waste and recycling containers over the coming months.
The calendar also includes collection dates over the festive period, when schedules temporarily change.
People can also check their collection dates at any time using the council’s online lookup service at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/bincollections.
Further information about the changes can be found at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/waste-collection-changes
We want to hear from other local groups about their forthcoming events, what services they provide, when and where they meet - anything that may be of interest to others.
Use this regular newsletter to publicise your events and provide details of local support that’s available. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on this edition and what you’d like to see included in the future. Email: yourcommunity@sovereign.org.uk.
Find out more
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