Winchester has a dynamic and robust economy which underpins high living standards for its residents and offers attractive opportunities for the right investors and retailers to benefit from a lucrative market.

Ranked top in the Royal Mail UK Happiness Index of 2019, Winchester has high levels of enterprise supported by high average earnings and a highly skilled workforce. The pool of academic talent is driven by two universities, colleges and a range of good schools including a number of independent options. There is a low crime rate and high levels of life expectancy. Efficient road, rail and air transport links, makes Winchester an easily accessible, attractive proposition to relocate an existing or start a new business. 

Winchester’s businesses are thriving and demand for business space outstrips supply, as underpinned by a recent commercial property market study undertaken by enteriseM3, reporting Winchester having a prestige value for HQ investors. Due to this pent up demand the city has embarked on an ambitious £360m regeneration programme, in addition to 8000 houses being built locally to meet demand, all of which promises an optimistic long term outlook for businesses in Winchester. 

The Times describes Winchester as ‘clever, cultured and convenient’. Once the capital of England, the bustling city centre is steeped in history and heritage, a proud cathedral city with an eye to the future. Unspoilt open spaces, a vibrant cultural, arts and events programme, an enviable independent and high-end food and drink offer and a £35m investment in a new leisure centre makes Winchester an attractive place to work, live and play.  

Winchester continues to support a strong visitor economy with over 5 million visitors to Winchester each year, generating over £322m to the local economy. The area’s professional services, retail, knowledge and creative industries, land-based businesses and public sector organisations are well served – both in terms of customer profile and potential employees.  

The High Street is flourishing with low vacancy rates and a 72% growth in retail revenue. It is home to a high percentage of successful independent businesses alongside well-known high street brands. Beyond the city and market towns there is a thriving rural economy across a district that spans 250 square miles and is a gateway to the South Downs National Park.

Do you have a vacant retail space and aren’t sure what to do with it? We’ve produced a new document providing guidance for anyone involved in repurposing vacant retail spaces (including developers, landlords and potential tenants). Repurposing empty retail units can really help our district’s high streets maintain their vitality – we hope that this guidance will help people make the most of their vacant units and help contribute to the vibrancy of our local economy.

You can find the document on the right hand side of this webpage. Please note this guidance is not exhaustive and if you have any questions, please contact our Sector Project Officer, Emily Reason, at: ereason@winchester.gov.uk.

We are currently exploring regeneration opportunities for the area known as Station Approach. Using agreed development principles, we aim to create a place for people to connect, work, live and play, whilst supporting nature within the city, and connecting communities through a sustainable transport hub.

Supported by local award-winning architects Design Engine, we are developing a Concept Masterplan for Station Approach, which will be published later this year. 

Keep up to date and find out more

 

Our vision for Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR), is for a mixed-use, sustainable, pedestrian-friendly quarter that reflects the distinctive character of the city centre, set within attractive open spaces. Working with our development partner, Jigsaw – Partnerships and Places, the council is proposing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver a wider choice of shops, restaurants, cafés, and office and creative spaces across the centre of Winchester alongside new homes, community, cultural and public spaces. The regeneration site includes Kings Walk, Friarsgate and the bus station.

The Jigsaw team will support the council in bringing significant benefits to everyone living and working in and around our district.

The regeneration of this area of Winchester would increase footfall in the city centre as a whole and spending among shoppers, whilst boosting Winchester’s reputation both in the UK and globally, allowing the city and wider district to become a more attractive destination and a hub for people and businesses across the South of England. 

New housing within the city centre will help to meet demand for homes across the district. The development will provide for people at all life stages and will include homes designed to encourage young people and graduates of our universities and colleges to stay in the city, adding to our economy and – in particular – driving innovation and entrepreneurial businesses.

Keep up to date and find out more

 

Are you looking to grow your business in the Winchester District? The Economy team have created district-wide register of vacant commercial properties to support inward investment and business expansion. The register is updated regularly to keep you informed of any vacancy changes as and when they happen.

You can find the register here. ^{(xlsx, 51kb)}

For more information contact Ellen Evans at eevans@winchester.gov.uk.

The Economy team have compiled a register of co-working spaces available across the district. In line with the Council’s Green Economic Development Strategy, this register aims to outline the flexible, affordable grow-on/SME space that is available in the district. 

You can find the register here. ^{(pdf, 108kb)}

If you provide a co-working space in your area, or would like to find out more, please contact Ellen Evans at eevans@winchester.gov.uk.

Winchester City Council has prioritised inward investment and there is tailored support available to businesses who are attracted to what the city and the wider district have to offer.

Contact: awoods@winchester.gov.uk

Telephone: 01962 848 347