Feedback on plans for Station Approach revealed as council considers next stage
More than 60% of residents back proposed improvements to the public areas around Winchester train station, planned as part of amajor project to upgrade the gateway to the city.
The feedback from recent public consultation events for the Station Approach proposals also found more than half agreed that the scheme will create an appropriate entrance point to the city.
The consultation events set out the plans for 140,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, along with supporting retail, restaurant and café uses to create a vibrant new hub in the key part of the city.
More than 250 people attended the events and comments have been analysed and will be considered as the plans progress.
There is support for the scheme including a new step free pedestrian route between the station and Sussex Street, enabling improved access to the city centre. The public realm works will also improve pedestrian routes on Station Hill and Station Road. In addition, further exploration is also underway for improved provision for cyclists.
Councillor Steve Miller, Chairman of the Cabinet (Station Approach) Committee added:
The Station Approach initiative will deliver a significantly enhanced welcome to the city for visitors and residents alike, including much improved public areas and amenities.
This proposal will also deliver something really new for Winchester - the highest quality office space encouraging more businesses to stay or relocate to the city, with an economic and regeneration boost for the wider area.
We are delighted so many people shared their thoughts on the plans with us.These will help inform the next stage of the process.
Additional discussions are also taking place with Stagecoach and WAAFA (Winchester Area Access For All) to ensure continued positive input with regard to the accessibility of the scheme.
Discussions with key partners Network Rail and South Western Railway are also continuing to ensure opportunities for improvement to Station Approach as a gateway are maximised.
The consultation findings will be presented to the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday (March 20), with an outline planning application due to be submitted before the end of March.