Decision details

The Committee received an introduction from Councillor Horrill which provided an update on the Central Winchester Regeneration Project, including the establishment of the Advisory Panels which would help inform the project streams.  Councillor Horrill stated that the three month period for legal challenge for the SPD had now expired and no challenges had been received, and that this was a material consideration moving forward.

The Head of Programme outlined the work streams to the meeting, as set out in the Report.  These were to develop a strategy to deliver the vision and aspirations outlined in the SPD; the establishment of advisory panels; the refurbishment and re-letting of Coitbury House; implementing a meanwhile use strategy for the vacant space in the bus station (a mural had now been displayed); the drive to let vacant property on a short-term basis within the regeneration area; deliver the repaving of lower High Street and revisit plans for Broadway; identify and deliver short term improvements to the public realm in the Central Winchester Regeneration area and to agree and deliver the archaeology event (on 11 December 2018).

In summary, the following matters were raised by Members and the Chairman and Head of Programme responded as set out below:

The Advisory Panels would help to inform projects and would include a wide range of participants, including the public and interested groups.  The Chairman added that there might be other Advisory Panels appointed as the project moved forward.

The SPD assisted in defining the short, medium and long-term options.  For example, as the area was contained, the Broadway gateway could be improved by landscaping, including providing wider pavements and removing car parking by the King Alfred statue.  The repaving of the lower part of the High Street and Middle Brook Street were longer term objectives and it was noted that issues such as the re-opening up of water ways and the archaeology would need to be addressed before the Lower High Street and Middle Brook Street were repaved.

There was also parallel work to be undertaken in balancing strategic direction with short-term uses.  Some of the short-term uses could then be judged on their success as to whether they became long-term features within the regeneration scheme.

The Meanwhile Use Advisory Panel would consider the provision of pop up shops.

The Committee agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the Report.

RESOLVED:

That the Terms of Reference and membership for the Advisory Panels as outlined in the Report be approved.