Public ‘excited and optimistic’ about regeneration of Winchester city centre

Winchester residents and businesses are getting the chance to feedback on new proposals to revitalise parts of Winchester city centre.

Last week Winchester City Council hosted the first of several virtual public consultations into the ‘Central Winchester Regeneration’ scheme.

The result of which was over 70% of participants said they felt excited, interested or optimistic about the plans.

Previously, a Supplementary Planning Document, which was adopted in 2018, had been shaping the development of the site based on extensive public consultation.

Due to the current lockdown, residents and businesses have now been having their say over several online consultation sessions, which are being held by the council over November and December.

Councillor Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management told WINOL: “People want to get a lot out of this site and I think we’ve managed to put together a proposal which does have something for everybody.

“I think it’s really important for us to find out now whether people believe we’re on the right track, rather than spending hundreds of thousands of pounds and ending up getting nowhere.” 

The plans aim to incorporate Winchester bus station, Kings Walk, Coitbury House and the old Friarsgate Medical Centre and transform it into a new area with houses, workplaces and public spaces.  

Another online session will take place on Thursday 24 November at 6pm, with a further two planned for Monday 30 November and Thursday 3 December.