HOUSING, community facilities, employment space and even a park and ride could form part of a major redevelopment of Winchester’s Army training camp.

After years of discussions and ideas mooted, a vision for the future of Sir John Moore Barracks has been revealed this week.

In 2016 the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the base would close in December 2021, but it was given a temporary reprieve in 2019 and the site will be vacated on a phased basis between 2022 and 2024.

Since the announcement, there have been hopes that the land could become a science park and calls for a new hospital to be built on the site, along with housing.

Now the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), part of the MoD, has published its vision for the barracks off of Andover Road.

The project is in the initial stages of the masterplan design process, but it has highlighted that a mixed development is planned.

A variety of housing has been proposed, including apartments and specialist elderly accommodation, along with a neighbourhood centre which could include community and sport and leisure facilities.

Part of the site has also been earmarked for employment and commercial use, with the potential for a park and ride also being explored.

The barracks existing chapel and leisure centre look set to be retained.

The DIO are currently in talks with Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council about the emerging proposals.

Cllr Kelsie Learney, the city council’s cabinet member for housing and asset management, said: “I’ll be sorry to see the Army Training Regiment leave Winchester after being part of our local community for so many years.

“Residents are in the main realistic about brownfield land being developed and want to work with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to ensure any development fits unobtrusively into the local landscape preserving the separation of Littleton from Winchester.

“Any significant development raises concerns about the pressure on services and transport links and I’m pleased the plan emphasises sustainability and low traffic generation.

“The potential for greater public access to open space and sports facilities is also to be welcomed.”

Site surveys were carried out earlier this year and now an initial consultation has been launched before a revision of the concept masterplan is likely to take place next year.

A planning application is then expected to be submitted by summer 2021, with work beginning in mid to late 2022, if planning permission is granted.

The first public meeting will take place virtually next Wednesday (December 16) at 7pm where the where the emerging masterplan will be presented.

An MoD spokesperson said: “The Defence Infrastructure Organisation is delighted to start the initial phase of consultation with local residents on the masterplan vision for the Sir John Moore Barracks site.

“We are really keen to hear what the community feels are the main opportunities for the site and the sites association with the adjacent parishes of Littleton and Harestock.

“Whilst we would normally run this consultation in a local community centre or village hall, we hope that as many people as possible will be able to access and view the plans, virtually, on the web-based portal and we will be available online to answer any questions or queries as they are raised.”

For more information or to sign up to the virtual consultation event, go to avison-young.foleon.com/john-moore-barracks.