Agenda item

Viv Hill,  Alison Thompson and Rupert Woodcock from CALA were present and provided an update on the following matters.

Viv Hill (CALA) provided an infrastructure update and shared a presentation.  He also mentioned CALA’s new office in Winchester.  His update included the following:

·       Winchester Avenue - the element connecting phases 1B and 2A was scheduled for completion by the end of March 2026 and progress was being made with technical approvals.

·       A high-level indicative Gantt chart for the Neighbourhood Centre implementation programme was shared. Key next steps included submitting a planning application for the residential phase 3B reserve matters, starting work on the temporary sales centre imminently (with opening in Q3 2025), and submitting a detailed planning application for the community centre alongside around 40 residential homes to the south in Q2 2025/6.

·       The anticipated start on-site for the community centre was Q3 this year, with handover intended for 2026, in time for the 800th occupation.  Discussions on the specification of the community centre would follow the detailed proposal submission.

·       Following the recent public consultation, updates on the community centre plans including revised floor plans and elevations were shared, incorporating feedback.  An increased roof pitch was being considered to allow for sports uses (like badminton) in addition to a more generous lobby area with potential access onto Winchester Avenue for pop-up uses.

·       Alison Thompson (CALA) provided further information on community centre floor plan.

The representatives from CALA responded to questions on the following:

• Clarification on the timing of the infrastructure delivery in relation to housing delivery – it was confirmed that infrastructure was generally programmed to be delivered ahead of housing completion. 
• Clarification on the timeline for the full surface of Winchester Avenue, adoption of the roads, and related parking issues.   Mr Hill confirmed the binder course for the section connecting 1B and 2A was expected by the end of March, with the full surface next year. Road adoption was a matter for HCC.
• Concerns regarding the traffic speed and parking on the long stretch of Winchester Avenue once the two parts of Kings Barton were connected, particularly regarding school drop-offs.  Mr Hill advised that HCC had the ultimate say on parking and speed management.
• Concerns regarding the flow and operation of the Southern Junction due to increasing traffic.  The capacity study of Manley Road and the Southern Junction was referred to, noting the need for MOVA signals and a pedestrian crossing as conditions for the increased trigger point.  Mr Woodcock confirmed this would be part of the Section 278 works to be discussed with HCC.  Due to the importance of this matter, a written update was requested prior to the next meeting and Rupert Woodcock agreed to provide this.
• CALA were requested to share the information they have presented  at the Forum meeting with Forum Members and Viv Hill agreed to do this.
• Viv Hill clarified that negotiations with potential operators of the neighbourhood centre shops and the pub would be dependent on having the spine road (Winchester Avenue) adopted.  
• A suggestion was made that the community centre temporary car park be used as a temporary solution for primary school pick-ups and drop-offs.  Alison Thompson explained this would raise practical and safety issues whilst the community centre was being constructed.  
• Whether it would be possible to coordinate northern junction works with a planned 21-week closure of Andover Road. Viv Hill did not believe this would be possible but would investigate further.
• Whether it was envisaged that residents of the care home would be frequent users of the community hall.  Viv Hill confirmed there would be a dedicated pedestrian crossing point outside the community centre across Winchester Avenue.

Alison Thompson provided an update on the phase 2B sports pitches, sharing a letter sent to Manley Road residents and the parish council in February which summarised the changes proposed as a result of the consultation undertaken.  She responded to questions and comments on the following points:

• Confirmation that fencing would be including between the road and the football pitches.
• She would check on whether it would be possible for goalposts’ storage in the pavilion.
• Noting that it would take around 12 months from completion for the sports pitches to be a useable service, it was anticipated that fencing would need to be installed to protect the area prior to its opening.    
• The potential for an additional large MUGA near the railway line - Alison Thompson stated it looked technically possible and a definitive answer would be provided for the next Forum meeting. 

Regarding phase 2B access via Pinsent Road, which was not in the construction environmental management plan (CEMP), Alison Thompson explained this was a temporary measure due to drainage works on Winchester Avenue and that from end of April 25,  HGVs would access via the  approved route via Winchester Avenue.  CALA  are requesting an amendment to the CEMP to allow site workers personal vehicles and small vans to access the site via Pinsent Road. Wheel washes would be deployed on both exits.