spring 2026 newsletter
Hare Place Courtyard
FROM ROOTS TO ROUTES –
BUILDING CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNITY
With spring now blossoming, the seasonal shift brings a sense of renewal and growth into sharp relief. But while nature has been sleeping, Welborne has been a hive of activity and connection is everywhere to be seen, including:
Welcoming our first residents, who have moved in and are already forming strong community bonds
Installing a box slide into place as part of the M27 Junction 10 upgrade, an incredible engineering achievement completed ahead of time, significantly improving connectivity across the south coast
Opening the doors to new show homes by CG Fry & Son, Pye Homes Blenheim and Thakeham, cementing the partnership between Welborne and our three brilliant SME housebuilders
Local horse rider through Dashwood
So much has been happening across Welborne and beyond. We are delighted to send you our latest news but why not go one better and visit Welborne to see the amazing changes for yourself.
The Lockes outside their new home
UNLOCKING WELBORNE’S FIRST FRONT DOOR
The very first Welborne residents, Robert and Jane Locke, have certainly ushered in a new era and are quickly setting down roots. Having followed Welborne since its inception nearly 20 years ago, they were delighted to buy one of Thakeham’s beautiful homes.
“We were attracted by the plans for a beautiful village centre and the Georgian-style architecture. We are excited to see the community grow and to play a part in shaping it” said Robert.
We are thrilled to welcome Robert and Jane, and those residents who have followed since or are in the process of buying at Welborne.
Moving the box slide into place, as part of the M27 J10 upgrade (December 2025)
CONNECTIVITY OPENING UP WELBORNE
Avoiding many months of motorway lane restrictions, speed limits and overnight closures, the first major phase of the Junction 10 upgrade was not only successfully completed but delivered ahead of schedule, re-opening this section of the M27 24 hours early.
In a first for Hampshire, a giant concrete box, measuring the length of six buses and weighing 8.5 tonnes, was manoeuvred into place with microscopic precision by a team of highly skilled civil engineers.
As well as transforming Junction 10 into an ‘all moves’ junction, a new underpass carrying four lanes of traffic will be opened along with shared walking and cycling routes and a bridleway.
Buckland Group, the Master Developer at Welborne, invested in the pioneering box slide technology to reduce long term disruption. The Group will continue to fund the upgrade at Junction 10 to support Welborne and the local area.
Once complete, Junction 10 will seamlessly connect Welborne to the wider region, integrating infrastructure with thoughtful planning to foster greater community cohesion, accessibility and economic growth.
We are grateful to all of the partners involved in this project, especially those who worked tirelessly during the festive season.
CG Fry & Son sales suite
HONOURING HERITAGE, BUILDING A NEIGHBOURHOOD
Put the date in your diary – all show homes from our three housebuilders will open in April and you are warmly invited to our celebration preview weekend on 18 and 19 April. With over 90 appointments already booked, we strongly encourage booking now to ensure availability.
With many more stunning homes now appearing across Welborne, you can really see the first neighbourhood coming together. Houses range from two to four bedrooms, from detached, semi-detached and terraced, and from glorious town houses to cosy cottages.
The Lansdowne by Thakeham
A dedicated approach to craftsmanship and heritage design brings together this wide range of housing, reflecting the best of traditional style and Hampshire architecture.
Ground works for the Village Centre are also underway along with planning permission gained for the first of Welborne’s four schools, both positive steps towards the early creation of a thriving focal point, with a strong sense of place and belonging.
SPRINGING INTO ACTION
As well as these major milestones, plenty of progress has happened elsewhere. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Rooted in history - The Southwick Estate Lion and date bricks are built into every house. Plenty can now be spotted taking pride of place!
Connected everywhere - Fiona Gray, Director of Place, speaking in Cannes - joining international discussions on placemaking, sustainability and stewardship.
United by a shared vision – Congratulations to our own Ben Pentreath OBE and Kim Wilkie CBE, recently recognised for their national contribution to architecture, landscape and placemaking.
Energising networks – Installing electricity infrastructure below ground will allow the pylons to be removed as part of the site wide energy strategy, enhancing the local environment.
Engaging with Nature – Welborne has been coordinating with a local primary school PTA to support creation of their outdoor learning space that enables pupils to engage with nature. Thank you to our local team at Penfolds and Deacon Design.
Emma Kiss, Community Development Manager
THE PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF WELBORNE
In a new regular feature, we are turning the spotlight on to one of our team, to celebrate their contribution to making Welborne such a special place.
We are pleased to introduce you to Emma Kiss, a key representative of the Welborne Garden Village Trust Ltd (WGVT), a not-for-profit stewardship company set up to ensure Welborne’s original placemaking foundations endure and to strengthen community bonds with and among residents.
Emma is the Community Development Manager and will provide support and information to residents, helping to orient them as they settle in as well as connecting them with community facilities. She is a highly valued member of the team and is already building connections with our first residents.