There’s a very big sign you’ve arrived in Alton as the town’s newest open space has officially opened.

The Alton Gateway site south of The Butts railway bridge has been described by the town council as a “thoughtfully landscaped space” with beautifully designed paths, benches and flower beds.

It’s also a space where “literature and nature come together” as a circular raised flower bed is adorned with Jane Austen quotes, with the site also featuring a neat lawn, wildflower and grass areas.

The open space – described as “peaceful” despite lying between the A31 and Alton’s busiest junction – is the final part of a scheme which has transformed the southern gateway to the town.

The project has included the development of Borovere Farm, a replacement railway bridge, highway and roundabout reconfigurations.

Martin Hawthorne, the planning director of Alton Gateway developers, Highwood Group, believes the “really good” combined development has brought a lot to Alton.

He said: “It has solved the double non-functioning roundabouts, the too narrow railway bridge and created two new public parks.

“It has also provided much-needed affordable housing, a care home, retirement flats and general needs housing.

“The new bridge opens up a great view of The Butts when you enter Alton and created significant investment into the local economy.”

There’s also a further nod to the past as Highwood agreed to a request by historian Jane Hurst to preserve the site of a wartime feature: A 29mm spigot mortar anti-tank weapon issued to the Home Garden in the early 1940s alongside the tank traps by the Butts bridge.

Town mayor Cllr Annette Eyre said: “Alton Town Council is thrilled to have been handed this open space for the enjoyment of the residents of Alton.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Highwood throughout the progress of this scheme.”