TWO Winchester shops battling eviction from Kings Walk have been handed a huge boost in way of a 12-month extension on their tenancies.

In what represents a climb down by the council, civic chiefs personally delivered a letter to both Sunflower Emporium and Sukee Market to inform them of the stay of execution.

The businesses were previously told they had until mid-May to clear out amid the council’s long-term plan to revamp Kings Walk and transform it into an ‘arts and creative hub’.

However, in a host of emails obtained by Barbara Cooper and Alistair Day of Sunflower Emporium following a freedom of information request, it was revealed councillors were discussing possible 'pop-up' options after struggling to fill the units.

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While the authority has insisted it is still pressing ahead with its vision for "vibrant new area", council chiefs have said they have listened to the feedback from the owners of both shops and granted their wish to stay.

Hai Dong Su, the owner of Sukee Market, said: "We are really happy, it is a huge relief. All this time we have been trying to keep going, keep trading while also putting pressure on the council to let us stay. Now we can relax a little bit instead of always thinking about what is going to happen next. It is a big weight off our minds. Thank you to everyone who has supported us."

Ms Cooper and Mr Day scanned and sent a petition with more than 1,000 of their customers' signatures to the council around 10 days ago, which they believe was the catalyst for the sudden change of heart.

Despite the extension, they still insist they will be going nowhere when the 12 months are up.

"It is nice to have an extra year but it doesn't really change anything," Ms Cooper said. "We're still told there will be a review, but I won't go unless they find me somewhere suitable."

Ms Cooper says she has looked at the units formerly occupied by MegaBet and Toy Cupboard, but both present different obstacles and are significantly more expensive than her current spot.

"It feels like a community here in Kings Walk, we all look out for each other," she added. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, they'll need to take me to court to get me out of here. I've not given up on anything in my life and I won't start now."

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Although he welcomes the extension, Mr Day criticised the way the council has handled the ordeal.

He said: "If they actually cared about the people of Winchester they would have held a consultation right from the beginning to establish what everyone wanted. Instead, we've had this cloak and dagger politics which has no doubt cost a load of money and had a huge impact on our mental health."

Ms Cooper added: "I'm 77 and they have put me through so much stress. Never in my life have I experienced anything like this."

Councillor Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council and cabinet member for asset management said: "As the landlord for Kings Walk, the council reviews its existing tenant base on a regular basis to ensure it matches our long-term aspirations to attract an appropriate mix of occupiers. We have held discussions with all our tenants at Kings Walk regarding the proposals to deliver a creative quarter at Kings Walk, ahead of a development partner for the regeneration of Central Winchester being appointed next year and the redevelopment of the entire area.

"As part of this process, we have listened to feedback from the owners of Sunflower Emporium and Sukee Market and acknowledge that both want to stay in their existing premises. Following further discussion, we are pleased to have reached a solution which allows both businesses to remain in Kings Walk for at least a further 12 months.

"During this period, we will continue to progress our ambitions to create and sustain a vibrant new area in the heart of the city, revitalising the centre of Winchester, and supporting a range of exciting, creative and innovative traders.

"The council will continue to work together with the Kings Walk traders to establish this wider vision and character, supporting them as the project evolves and as we move towards a comprehensive redevelopment of the Central Winchester area."

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