City Council Leader backs plans for Barracks site
The Leader of Winchester City Council is backing plans for a ‘Knowledge Park’ on the site of the Sir John Moore Barracks on the outskirts of Winchester.
Cllr Stephen Godfrey joined MP Steve Brine and business leaders in supporting proposals to explore bringing hundreds of new high-skill jobs to the 86-hectare Andover Road site.
The plans come in the wake of the MoD’s announcement (7 November) that the site is surplus to military requirements and due to close by around 2020.
Cllr Godfrey said:
Although hugely disappointed that one of Winchester's military connections is to be lost, I have been reassured by the positive indication given by the Ministry of Defence for our proposals to see the barracks site retained for employment.
Rather than develop the site primarily for housing - which the Council would resist strongly as it would be contrary to its Local Plan - we hope to work with the MoD, the University of Winchester, local business organisations and some of the large companies that want to be in Winchester to create well-paid jobs for local people.
The location would be highly attractive to employers because of its proximity to the city centre and transport links to the A34.
The option of developing a Knowledge Park in partnership with the University and business could bring innovation, jobs and economic growth to the city.