FLEET POND CORRIDOR

The Project

The project, managed by Hart District Council, aims to create a more connected environment that will improve walking and cycling links to Fleet’s railway station.

This will build on work already completed to increase cycle parking provisions at the train station. It will further link into the Council’s wider Green Grid project to connect communities, specifically phase one which is Hartland village to Fleet.

The corridor works will take place between Autumn 2021 and Spring 2023, and includes three phases of work: 

Phase 1 Footpath widening, including a new slipway at Boat House Corner

Works for this phase will commence in Autumn 2021 and be completed by May 2022. The path that is being improved runs adjacent to the train station car park, it is a route that is well used by the community and as it is, it is not sufficient to safely cope with the large amount of footfall and mixed user group activity. The proposed works will widen the path to allow everyone to pass each other safely, making travel significantly easier and safer. Cycling calming measures to reduce cycling speeds will also be installed.

Open water and Reedbed habitat improvements

Significant contributions towards mitigation, ecological improvements and education for visitors at Fleet Pond will be provided to protect and enhance the site’s wildlife. This money will be used to support environmental projects above and beyond the site's usual maintenance and management plan. This includes mitigation work which will improve open water and reedbed habitats.

Phase 2 Improvements to the Access Road and Fleet Pond Car Park

Phase 3 New pedestrian crossing and footpath on the A3013

Phases 2 and 3 will be completed by Spring 2023. More information about these phases will become available closer to the time.

The area of the phase 1 works is shown on the map below. Please be aware that there will be no access in or out of the railway station from the Northern Reedbed corner whilst these works take place. Commuters will need to find an alternative route.

Reaction 

Fleet residents are concerned by the new path claiming the project is too expensive and will make little difference. It will cost £2.9 million to build. They also state that the vast majority come into Fleet Station from Fleet town centre and that they have never seen anyone cycle from were the new paths are to be built.

Council Response

Planning permission for the project hs been granted and is supported by a £1.4 million grant from Enterprise M3 with contributions from local developer. St Edward.
"It will link into the council’s wider Green Grid project to connect communities, specifically phase one which is Hartland Village to Fleet Pond.

"The aim of the Green Grid is to create routes between all settlements to encourage walking, cycling and other forms of sustainable healthy transport within Hart and as such has synergies with the Fleet Pond Corridor project.”

 “The Fleet Pond Corridor project aims to create a more connected environment that will improve walking and cycling links to Fleet’s railway station not only for Fleet residents but for those living elsewhere in the district.

Fleet Pond Video