Topping out milestone reached to revitalise Aldershot town centre

An exciting new development scheme that is set to transform the heart of Aldershot, backed with £1.2 million funding from Enterprise M3 LEP, has reached an important milestone.

EM3 Joint Managing Director Stephen Martin attended the Union Yard topping out ceremony that marked the completion of the building’s concrete structure.

Once complete, the scheme, led by Rushmoor Borough Council, will provide 100 new town centre homes and accommodation for 128 students, alongside a mixture of retail, commercial and community space in the town centre. Among the features will be a makers’ yard, with a new public square and creative space for small and independent businesses.

Stephen, who was among councillors, staff and representatives from construction firm The Hill Group, who joined together to pour the topping concrete on the roof, said: “This is a fantastic project that will revitalise Aldershot town centre.

As part of the £43.5m Aldershot town centre Union Street East regeneration scheme, it will create a vibrant new space within the town, tying together residential accommodation, retail, infrastructure and creating new jobs.”

Councillor David Clifford, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, who carried out the topping out ceremony, said: “This is a proud moment for us. Union Yard is going to transform Aldershot town centre, and it is clear for all to see the progress that has been made. So much hard work has gone into this, and we are grateful to everyone.”

Councillor Martin Tennant, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Property, added: “This part of the build has taken little over 12 months to complete, emerging out of the ground at great pace, and we expect for the project to be finished by the summer of next year.”

Work will now continue on the scheme’s final external appearance. Inside, fit-out will continue on the residential floors, with stud walls going in alongside the utilities including electrics and drainage connections, with the scheme expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

Further information about the Union Yard development including the latest photos from the site and a time lapse video of the early demolition work is available on Rushmoor Borough Council’s Union Yard webpage.