Optional: The Chairs of any of the informal groups may briefly update the Forum on any recent developments from their group.
Minutes:
The Forum received individual updates from the Chairpersons of various Town Informal Groups, where available. Each summarised the work that had been carried out by the respective groups over the previous two-month period.
Councillor Murphy – Streets and Spaces Informal Group
Progress updates from the group included:
a) The latest vacancy rate for the High Street was 2.3% compared to the national average of 13.3%.
b) Forthcoming events were discussed, including the Christmas light switch on taking place on 13 November organised by Winchester BID.
c) Managing the enforcement of on street parking by delivery lorries, particularly in the one-way system.
Councillor Tippett-Cooper - Culture Informal Group
Progress update from the group included:
a) The Buttercross – the website had been updated. It was noted that the contractor appointed to start the refurbishment works has advised that the scaffolding would be erected in February 2026, with works to commence in March.
b) Hyde Gate – A landscaping plan had recently been received, to be submitted with the building plan to Historic England for approval. Subject to planning permission, works should be progressed in due course.
The importance of clear communication and information regarding the details of works due to take place at both sites was emphasised. Councillor Tippett-Cooper agreed to report this for action.
Councillor Eve - Climate and Open Space Informal Group
Progress updates from the group included:
a) Oram’s Arbour works had recently been completed
b) River Park works were progressing well with the pavilion and planning for the footpath – thanks were given to the officers for their progress of maintenance works.
c) The opening of Allegra’s Ambition at the Garrison Ground had taken place recently and the forum were encouraged to visit this excellent facility.
d) Councillor Batho provided an update on the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at St Matthew’s field and made reference to comments received from Emma Back of Winchester Sports and Leisure Trust. It was noted that discussions had taken place with officers to investigate the submission of an application for district CIL to provide this facility, as well as potentially looking at spaces in Dean Lane Park. Support for providing a MUGA facility in northern Winchester was proposed and feedback was sought.
In response, forum members supported and endorsed a MUGA at St Matthew’s field. In addition, Councillor Learney suggested that when the amount of available town community CIL was explored, that it should be sufficient to fund a MUGA at St Matthew’s field and still leave a surplus to spend. She encouraged members of other town wards to come forward with possible ideas and a list of proposals for consideration to ensure the funds were used to benefit the local community.
Councillor Aron - Grants and Community Empowerment Informal Group
An update was provided on behalf of Councillor Aron with progress from the group including:
a) Previously small grants had an underspend which had been lost at the end of the financial year, this had seen an increase in grants and recipients included Friends of St Giles Hill, the new life church in Stanmore, and Joyful Jams who provided movement session for elderly people in Winchester. Grants continued to be validated carefully, and thanks were given to the finance team for ensuring that grant funding continued and had not been cut as had previously been envisaged.
b) Members were encouraged to attend the session where a grant application had been submitted by a business in their ward.
RESOLVED:
That the updates received from the Town Informal Groups as set out above, be noted.