Findings from Totton community engagement work conducted by New Forest District Council have been presented to Cabinet (1 March 2023).

The meeting was updated on work carried out in Totton last summer which saw input from over 250 people, groups and organisations, on regeneration aspirations for the area.

Testvale park area, the town centre including the precinct and Commercial Road area, and the older town area near Rumbridge Street and Junction Road, were the three areas of Totton considered in the engagement work.

Though Totton is a relatively urban area, the study found that people valued being close to nature and green spaces.

Suggestions for how the town centre could be improved included events and activities, and improvements to the retail offer so the town centre could better act as a destination for the local area.

Cllr Diane Andrews, portfolio holder for planning, regeneration and infrastructure, said:

"The level of response to this community engagement work demonstrates the passion and strength of feeling the community has for Totton. Successful regeneration always has to take a long term view, but with a community-led and partnership approach, I am confident the work to improve the key themes emerging from the engagement exercise; cars, traffic and travel infrastructure, outdoor and green spaces, the precinct and retail experience, and the sense of community, will be of benefit to this key town."

The results of the engagement work will now form the actions for the next stage of the council's project to see Totton regenerated, and inform future Local Plan work.

The full report and details from the council's engagement exercise can be viewed on our website.

Image Credit: Mike Faherty