EM3 funded Fleet Pond Corridor opens to visitors

The Fleet Pond Corridor is now open for the public to enjoy, thanks to funding from Enterprise M3 (EM3).

The Local Enterprise Partnership supported the project with a grant worth £1.4 million, with further contributions from a local developer, St Edward.

The opening follows an upgrade of the pond’s car park and access track, providing much needed improvements with a new road and speed cushions to ensure the safety of walkers and cyclists. The car park upgrade has resulted in a change in surface to provide a better layout for visitors and improved drive, along with three new disabled parking bays, and the provision in the future for electric vehicle charging

Prior to this work was carried out on completing a new three-metre-wide path running alongside Fleet’s train station. This allows users to pass each other more easily on the newly widened path making travel and recreation around the pond significantly safer for everyone.

Gentle slopes to the fishing jetties were added to make these accessible for all and cycling calming measures have been introduced to reduce cycling speeds. An impressive new boat slipway has also been installed to help with the future management of the pond.

Cllr David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council said: “I’m delighted that we are able to officially open the Fleet Pond corridor and welcome residents and visitors to enjoy this outstanding open space. The work carried out allows us to make sustainable decisions for the future such as providing electric charging points.”

“Excitingly, now that the Corridor is completed, we can start to further develop our plans for the wider Green Grid project, which is embedded in Hart’s 2040 vision, continuing to connect our communities and encourage sustainable travel across the district.”

EM3’s Head of Infrastructure, Transport and Place, Kevin Travers, said: “It’s good news that this excellent scheme is now open and has been completed to budget. We were delighted to support these enhancement works that will improve connectivity between the new housing development, employment centres and railway station in a sustainable manner.”

St Edward Chairman, Paul Vallone, added: “Fleet Pond has so much to offer to local people, it has biodiverse habitats, beautiful views, walking trails and picnic spots for everyone to enjoy. We have been thrilled to support the improvement works which have transformed the routes between Fleet Station, Fleet Pond and Hartland Village, with a new cycle and pedestrian link encouraging sustainable travel from Hartland Village, Hartland Country Park and beyond.”

For information about the Fleet Pond Corridor, please visit www.hart.gov.uk/fleet-pond-corridor