City Centre development advances
Winchester City Council and Thornfield have formally entered into a development agreement in respect of the Frairsgate/Broadway Development. Consultation on the designs and proposals will start shortly.Michael Capocci, managing director of Thornfield Properties, the developers, is delighted to have reached this latest stage in the process.
"We are totally committed and very keen to listen to the views, comments, suggestions and opinions of the people of Winchester on our outline proposals," he said. "We will work in partnership with the community and all stakeholders in the city to design and build a scheme of which we can all be proud.
"We are committed, at the earliest opportunity, to share our proposals, which are currently at concept level, in order to obtain the valuable feedback we need. This will allow us, and our architects, to adapt and develop our initial ideas to reflect the views and wishes of the community to produce the beautiful scheme the city deserves.
"We will continue to consult widely with all stakeholders - especially the residents of Winchester -throughout the process to ensure everyone has the opportunity to influence and shape the vitally important renaissance of such an important part of this lovely city."
Leader of Winchester City Council Sheila Campbell is equally pleased to have reached this latest point. "We are confident that Thornfield are the right partners for the Council in this development. Already they have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of Winchester and its needs in retail and housing. I look forward to seeing the transformation of this run down area of the town," she added.
The regeneration of the Friarsgate/Broadway area is set to give a huge boost to Winchester's economy by attracting new businesses, quality retailers, and visitors to the city.
Winchester City Trust Chairman, Patricia Edwards, is excited at the prospect of the regeneration.
"The Trust is pleased to learn that formal agreement has been entered into in respect of this scheme. We were pleased to be involved in the selection of the masterplanner, who has shown such sensitivity to Winchester in formulating the block plans. We shall continue to monitor future stages of the project, with a view to ensuring that Winchester gets the development that we think this special city merits."