Central Winchester Regeneration timeline

Question 1

2003

Answer 1

Winchester CC reached an agreement with Thornfield properties to promote a comprehensive redevelopment of the 2.3 hectare site using compulsory purchase power where necessary

Question 2

2009

Answer 2

Planning consent granted for:
287 residential units (35% affordable)
100,000 sq/ft retail space
18,000 sq/ft office accomodation
New bus station
New public car park
New public spaces
Banks then withdrew funding from Thornfield Properties and the project was taken over by Henderson Global Investors

Question 3

2014

Answer 3

Plans were revised to:
No bus station
150,000 sq/ft retail space
184 residential units (0% affordable)
Higher ratio of private parking
No office space
It was estimated the project would cost £150 million with 10% profit
Gottleib launched a review against the council but was ordered to pay £7,500
Nelmes resigned from the LibDems in order to speak out
The planning committee approved Henderson’s proposals

Question 4

2015

Answer 4

High court ruled with Gottleib that the council had acted unlawfully involving the revising of the plans (especially the bus station and affordable housing) claiming they should’ve put out an EU wide competitive tender
Gottleib called on 4 officials to resign
It was decided to revive the 2009 plans despite potential financial ramifications in order to avoid further legal ramifications

Question 5

2016

Answer 5

A report found the council had failed to record a risk highlighted in a 2010 report, as well as having no clear vision for the scheme in both 2004 & 2016
Hampshire Chronicle published an editorial supporting the idea of the scheme, but that it needed to be ‘ripped up and started again’

Question 6

2017

Answer 6

The council implemented JTP architects to produce a supplimentary planning document
The development was renamed to CWR scheme

Question 7

Present

Answer 7

2021 vision for a mixed use, pedestrian friendly quarter, supporing both retail and the local heritage (Winchesterness), incorporating an imaginative re-use of public buildings
Planned to create a new bus hub and reroute to avoid busses going through the city centre
Jigsaw by Partnerships and Places were selected as a development partner
2023 JTP & Jigsaw held public consultations