THE wheels are beginning to turn on the next big development in Winchester.

The city council is about to commission an architect to look at how the area around the railway station could be developed.

The Station Approach area includes the station, car parks, Carfax Site, Andover Road to the railway bridge and the Cattle Market area.

The assessment will look at the potential for the location, aiming to maximise the economic benefits for the city. It will look to maximise walking and cycling.

A report to council cabinet is scheduled for October.

Local architects Paul Bulkeley and David Ashe say there is potential to attract national companies to site their headquarters in Winchester in a similar way to Basingstoke.

The city council is working closely with Network Rail, the county council and other partners and will consult local stakeholders as part of the process.

Keith Wood, leader of the city council, said: “There is great potential to improve the area around the railway station in a way that dramatically enhances one of the most important entrances to Winchester while also boosting the city's economy.”

Cllr Wood added: “Our assessment of the development potential for the Andover Road area will show us what options are available and inform our decisions in the coming months.”

There is support for the masterplan from local civic groups such as the City of Winchester Trust.

Mr Ashe, director of C. H. Design Partnership, said he welcomed the fact that the council was considering a wide area and not just around the station, with an emphasis on high-quality public spaces and car parking.