First Wessex Housing Group

Residents at Broadlaw in Fareham joined Deputy Mayor Councillor Dennis Steadman to unveil a mosaic path, created by the community.

The New Broadlaw Mosaic Project was jointly funded by Fareham Borough Council and First Wessex as part of the wider regeneration of New Broadlaw. The project involved the whole community, who designed and made the mosaic tiles which have been laid in the new path that runs through the development.

More than 120 members of the community including children from five primary schools and one secondary school, as well as local adults, families and young people have been involved in the project. The project consists of 35 mosaic square tiles and members of the local community were supported by a professional mosaic artist and volunteers from Broadlaw Community Space to create it.

The project began with a visit to Fishbourne Roman Palace, where participants drew inspiration for their own designs, which were centred around the question: ‘What does New Broadlaw mean to you?’

The project was run by the Ashcroft Arts Centre. Charlotte Constantine, Arts Development Officer from the centre said: “Ashcroft has been delighted to be involved with this project. The ideas and designs from the local residents and school children are so creative and original, and it is a great way for the community to influence the area.”

Hazel Warwick, Asset Management Director at First Wessex said: “Over the past few years New Broadlaw has transformed and this has been a great opportunity to involve the wider community in the regeneration of the area.

“Local residents of all ages have been involved in this exciting project and it was great to see residents taking ownership of their community. This event is an excellent opportunity to showcase the work that residents do.”

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For further information, please contact:

Sophie Clements, PR & Communications Executive

Email: sophie.clements@firstwessex.org

Telephone: 023 9289 6762

Notes to Editors

First Wessex manages around 20,500 affordable homes primarily in Hampshire and with some activity in Surrey. It has offices in Eastleigh and Aldershot and its head office in Portsmouth.

First Wessex provides a full range of affordable housing including rented, supported, shared ownership and key worker housing. A large support portfolio includes housing for older people, extra-care housing, dementia care housing, housing for people with learning disabilities, people recovering from mental illness and some specialist accommodation. First Wessex also has its own repairs and maintenance division and provides a wide range of community regeneration services across Hampshire.

www.firstwessex.org