Issue - meetings

The Committee received an introduction from Councillor Horrill which provided an update on the Central Winchester Regeneration Project and the meetings of the Advisory Panels.

Councillor Horrill informed the meeting that the archaeology day had been held on 11 December 2018, and that this had included a question and answer session.  A broadsheet on its outcomes would be published shortly.  The former Friarsgate Medical Centre had been purchased from Henderson, and the purchase had also included a number of retail buildings opposite the Guildhall in the Broadway, and these would now be refurbished.  The purchase of the land from Henderson provided greater certainty on achieving the aspirations of the regeneration.  Other recent initiatives included a workshop for local entrepreneurs held on 18 December 2018 to generate ideas and the opening of the Bike-hub delicatessen in the old Post Office building in Friarsgate.

Each of the chairs of the Advisory Panels updated the Committee on progress.

Lower High Street and Broadway

Councillor Ashton, Chair of the Lower High Street and Broadway Advisory Panel, stated that the Panel had met on the date of dispatch of the Committee report, 14 January 2019, and he gave a verbal update to the Committee of its proceedings on that day.

In summary Councillor Ashton stated that the Panel had been joined by two additional members: Dr Paul Spencer from Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and Phil Gagg from Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC).  The principal outcomes had been:

·         The amendment of the name to Broadway and lower section of the High Street.

·         Consideration of the design brief for public realm – feasibility stage.

·         The works required go beyond making improvements; there was a need to transform the area into a vibrant public space.

·         There was a need to take account of the wider development and existing connections.

·         The history of the area and existing street pattern should inform the designs.

·         Recognition of the SPD and the implications of the emerging Movement Strategy.

·         To open up the waterways where possible.

·         That it was complementary to Central Winchester and to be cohesive.

·         To have a refined coherent brief.

There had been consideration to the way forward.  Eight urban design practices that had expertise and relevance had been identified to assist with design following a procurement exercise.  It was also recognised that it was necessary to work with Hampshire County Council who also had a design capability, knowledge of the City and highways expertise.

The Head of Programme added that the procurement on the design was now recommended to have a 60% quality and 40% price evaluation.  There was the option for urban design practices to bid for the project’s feasibility study phase, and when this phase was completed to bid again for the next stages, if the Council decide to proceed.

The Committee debated the options identified by the Advisory Panel and recognised that Hampshire County Council were also the highway authority and would be integral to the scheme’s implementation.  The Head of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4